Youth Pastor Allegedly Engaged In Inappropriate Relationship For 7 Years
LONGMONT, Colo. (CBS4) - Neighbors of a Longmont youth pastor who has been arrested in a sex assault case told CBS4 they are shocked to learn of the charges.
Jason Roberson, 35, turned himself in at the Boulder County Jail on Wednesday after Boulder police issued a warrant for his arrest. He faces charges of sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust and invasion of privacy.
Roberson is a youth pastor at Vinelife Church at 7845 Lookout Road and the victim is a member of the church and a Boulder resident. Court documents state Roberson admitted he touched the victim's breasts and allowing her to see a photo of his genitalia.
He also allegedly secretly watched her through a window as she was undressing.
Roberson is a close friend of the victim's family. Police said the victim, who is 23, trusted him as an authority figure and spiritual guide and felt uncomfortable disclosing the relationship to others.
The inappropriate relationship allegedly began when the victim 15 and continued for seven years.
Roberson allegedly admitted to the behavior when confronted by the victim and family friends.
"It shocks me. I kind of watched the kids grow up with Jason and Megan, his wife," one neighbor told CBS4.
"I'm pretty shocked just because I wouldn't expect that from Jason because his family is awesome," another neighbor said.
Roberson's sister told CBS3 she and the rest of the family are standing by her brother.
Additional Resources
The Boulder Police Department made the following statement when describing this case:
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.
