8 months ago
LEESBURG, Va. (WUSA/LCSO) -- A former pastor has been charged with having inappropriate contact with three Loudoun County teenagers. Investigators fear there could be more victims.
James L. Swanson, 55, of Leesburg, is charged with two counts of assault and battery and taking indecent liberties with a minor while in a custodial or supervisory position in that case. Loudoun County Sheriffs officials said in a statement released Wednesday that the alleged incidents occurred while Swanson was a pastor with the Greater Zion Community Church in Ashburn. Investigators say the incidents occured in the victims' homes. He served as a mentor to the teens.
In April, Loudoun Investigators received independent information of a 14-year-old girl and 15-year-old girl, both of Ashburn, having inappropriate contact with the pastor. A nearly two-month long investigation by the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office led to the identity of three alleged victims.
One of the incidents is reported to have occurred in February 2009 with the second occurring on April 14, 2009. Swanson is charged with assault and battery in these two cases.
During the course of the investigation, a third victim from a previous incident that reportedly occurred in July 2007 was identified and located. The then 14-year-old victim from Sterling, was allegedly taken by Swanson to a location in Herndon, where he had inappropriate contact with the girl. Swanson is charged by the Herndon Police Department with one count of taking indecent liberties with a minor while in a custodial or supervisory position.
WUSA9 contacted the church but no calls have been returned. WUSA9 also went by the pastor's Leesburg home but the woman inside did not want to open the door and comment.
Swanson was taken into custody by Loudoun Investigators on Tuesday. He remains held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center without bond.
Anyone with information regarding these cases or knows of other possible victims is asked to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division at 703-777-0475.
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