Michigan Pastor Charged with Sexually Assaulting Young Boy Faces Up to 15 Years in Prison if Convicted

A Michigan pastor, Harold Norman Cole Jr., 57, has been charged with second-degree criminal sexual conduct. The allegations involve an alleged assault on a young boy, who is not believed to have been a member of Cole’s church, Trinity Baptist Church in Farwell, Michigan. The alleged victim, residing in another state, reported the abuse to authorities there, which led to an investigation by the Clare County Sheriff’s Office.

The allegations claim that the abuse occurred between June and August 2021, when the victim was under 13 years old. The victim reportedly alleges that Cole used force or coercion to initiate unwanted sexual contact. The sheriff’s office was notified of these allegations in March, prompting further investigation.

Cole was arrested on October 31 and arraigned the following day. He was released on November 4 after posting a $20,000 bond and is now required to wear a GPS monitoring device. Attempts to contact Trinity Baptist Church for comment were unsuccessful, as calls to the church went unanswered.

In light of these events, the community is reminded of the importance of accountability and justice, as reflected in biblical principles such as Micah 6:8, which calls for justice, mercy, and humility. This case underscores the need for vigilance and care for victims, aligning with the biblical exhortation in Proverbs 31:8-9 to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.

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