A Three Rivers pastor faces charges of criminal sexual conduct following his arrest Wednesday.
Three Rivers police said James Bailey Jr., 66, was charged with three counts each of criminal sexual conduct third degree and CSC fourth degree. The charges stem from incidents that allegedly occurred at Three Rivers Bible Church on two separate dates in April and May, according to a department media release.
Authorities said the victim was 18 at the time of the incidents, and that Bailey had been counseling her since 2014. It is believed the incidents were consensual, but Bailey – as pastor and counselor – was in a position of authority and, according to authorities, used his position to manipulate and coerce the victim to consent.
Bailey resigned from the church in late May.
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