MICHIGAN
ClickonDetroit
LANSING, Mich. –
James Francis Rapp, 74, has been charged with multiple felonies for the alleged sexual assault of several Michigan boys in the 1980s.
Rapp was a priest, teacher, maintenance supervisor and wrestling coach at Jackson Lumen Christi High School in Jackson Michigan from Sept. 1980 to Feb. 1986. The charges against him come after an investigation by Jackson police.
“People who abuse their authority by preying on children must be brought to justice, no matter when the crime was committed,” said Attorney General Bill Schuette. “Our aggressive, victim-centered approach has brought us one step closer to securing justice for these brave men who stepped forward to tell of the abuse they endured many years ago.”
“I would like to praise the work of Sgt. Tim Schlundt in this investigation,” said Jackson County Sheriff Steven Rand. “Many hours were spent in an attempt to gather facts about this case. Despite the age of this case, the lives of the victims continue to be impacted. It is my hope that the opportunity for victims to have their day in court will bring some degree of comfort.”
Two of Rapp’s alleged victims reported being sexually abused by Rapp in the spring of 2013, more than 30 years after the alleged crimes happened. The claims led to police launching an extensive investigation, which revealed several more people who claimed to be victims.
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