A Michigan pastor has been charged with second degree criminal sexual conduct after allegations came to light that he assaulted a juvenile boy. Harold Norman Cole Jr. of Trinity Baptist Church in Farwell, Michigan, could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Editor’s note: This article refers to reports of child sex abuse that some readers might find triggering and/or disturbing.
The Clare County Sheriff’s Office said that the alleged victim lives in another state and is not believed to have been a member of Cole’s church. The child reported the alleged abuse to local authorities in his home state.
The Clare County Sheriff’s Office was notified on March 5 of the alleged misconduct, which the victim claims occurred in Clare County.
RELATED: Former Youth Pastor Charged With Nearly 150 Sex Crimes Related to Voyeurism
The victim was under the age of 13 at the time of the alleged abuse. Authorities have not released further details about the victim in order to protect his privacy.
The abuse is alleged to have occurred between June and August of 2021, according to MLive.
Cole was arrested on Oct. 31 and arraigned on Nov. 1. He was released on a $20,000 bond on Nov. 4. He is required to wear a GPS tracker.
Cole is set to appear in court next on Nov. 12.
RELATED: Prosecutor Seeking Additional Charges Against MI Youth Pastor Accused of Child Sex Abuse
ChurchLeaders reached out to Trinity Baptist Church for comment via phone, but the church did not answer and its voicemail inbox has not been set up to receive messages. The church does not appear to have an active website.
