Youth Pastor Jailed In Connection With Child Sex Assault Investigation
BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4)- A youth pastor from Longmont is in custody and facing charges in a child sex assault investigation.
Jason Allen Roberson turned himself in at the Boulder County Jail on Wednesday after police issued a warrant for his arrest.
Roberson, 35, faces charges of sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust and invasion of privacy.
Police said Roberson was a close friend of the victim's family.
Roberson was a youth pastor at Vinelife Church in Longmont. Police believe he was allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a teenage church member.
Vinelife Church is located at 7845 Lookout Road in Longmont.
The victim is a 23-year-old Boulder resident who told investigators that she and Roberson had an inappropriate relationship that began with she was 15 years old. That relationship apparently continued for seven years.
She said she trusted him as an authority figure and spiritual guide and felt uncomfortable disclosing the relationship to others.
The victim told police that during their relationship Roberson touched her inappropriately and watched her undress by spying on her outside of her home in Boulder.
Roberson allegedly admitted to this behavior when confronted by the victim and family friends.
Boulder police are continuing the investigation and are asking anyone with information about the case to contact Detective Brannon Winn at 303.441.4477.
Police don't know at this time whether there are other victims; anyone with information is also asked to contact Detective Winn.
Those who have information but wish to remain anonymous may contact the Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-444-3776. Tips can also be submitted through the Crime Stoppers website at www.crimeshurt.com. Those submitting tips through Crime Stoppers that lead to the arrest and filing of charges on a suspect(s) may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 from Crime Stoppers.
