Oklahoma Pastor Charged with Sexual Abuse Decades After Earlier Case Dismissed

An Oklahoma pastor faces 15 felony sex abuse charges involving boys — and it is not the first time police have investigated him. James Lamont Newton, 53, of Cache, appeared in Comanche County District Court, where he is charged with five counts of first-degree rape by force or fear, five of lewd or indecent acts involving a child under 16, and five of sodomy by force or fear.

Lawton police first began looking into allegations against Newton in April 1998. He was charged in 1999, but that case was dismissed. More than 28 years later, he is back in court on new charges. Newton could face life in prison if convicted on any of the charges. He was held on a $5 million cash-only bond.

Lawton police Detective Sedona Warren began investigating Sept. 9, according to a probable cause affidavit. The allegations involve juvenile males who encountered Newton through Another Chance Outreach Ministries in Lawton. Newton, who uses the title “Apostle,” had access to children through church services, youth activities, vacation Bible studies, trips and sporting events.

Newton’s ministry biography identifies him as founder and pastor of Another Chance and “presiding prelate” of Prophetic Judah Kingdom International. One accuser, now 28, told investigators Newton first touched him sexually when he was 12. He said Newton told him not to be afraid or speak and “to allow God” to guide his hands.

The man alleged that the abuse escalated during his adolescence and continued into adulthood. He said Newton sexually penetrated him when he was 16. Warren wrote that Newton allegedly used religious teachings, guilt, threats, public humiliation and physical violence to control the accuser. The man also alleged Newton recorded explicit images and used gifts, money and church status to maintain influence.

Jimmy Lamont Butler, 52, also of Cache, appeared in court Friday as well, charged with being an accessory to a felony. Investigators allege Butler helped Newton access and isolate potential victims. The affidavit described Butler as a “gatekeeper” who helped sustain conditions in which abuse could continue. Butler, described as Newton’s assistant and security officer, was held on $250,000 bond.

Back in 1999, the investigation reportedly stalled because a witness feared coming forward. Newton, then 25, was charged with one count of lewd or indecent acts involving a child under 16. The case was dismissed, and Newton was released. Now, with new allegations, the court is once again addressing the consequences of his actions.

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