MI Baptist Youth Pastor Arrested On Child Sex Charges

Michigan Live reports:

Convicted of assaulting young boys as a Little League coach in North Carolina, Jonathan S. Russell relocated to Saginaw Township. He’s now facing charges in two Michigan counties for allegedly assaulting numerous children by exploiting his position in a local church. In February, Michigan State Police troopers began investigating allegations Jonathan S. Russell had been abusing children he encountered at First Baptist Church of Bridgeport. Russell had volunteered at the church as a youth organizer, police said.

Flint’s ABC affiliate reports:

Authorities say 42-year-old Jonathan Russell is facing 10 charges, including second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim 13 years old or younger. Second-degree criminal sexual conduct is limited to touching. He remained in custody Thursday at the Saginaw County Jail on $100,000 bond after arraignment. The pastor of First Baptist Church in Bridgeport could not be reached for comment Thursday about the allegations.

Jonathan Russell of Saginaw Township is accused of sexually assaulting children from First Baptist Church of Bridgeport. https://t.co/SF9gv2RHPH

— ABC12WJRT (@ABC12WJRT) November 9, 2023