Lawton Pastor Faces 15 Felonies: What We Know About the Another Chance Outreach Case

A Lawton pastor and his assistant appeared in court Friday to face charges connected to what investigators describe as years of abuse of juvenile males at Another Chance Outreach Ministries. James LaMont Newton, 53, faces 15 felonies including rape, lewd acts with a child under 16, and sodomy. He is held on a $5 million cash-only bond. Jimmy LaMont Butler, 52, faces an accessory charge and a $250,000 bond, accused of enabling the abuse as a gatekeeper.

Detective Sedona Warren began investigating September 9. According to court information, one accuser, now 28, said the abuse began when he was 12 and escalated over years, with Newton using religious teachings and threats to maintain control. Newton was previously accused of abusing boys in 1998 and 1999, but that case was dismissed after the allegations were recanted.

The Lawton Police Department says the investigation is ongoing and is asking anyone who may have been a victim of Newton or Butler, or who has information about this case, to contact the Criminal Investigation Division or Crime Stoppers. Our community’s strength has always been looking out for each other, and that goes double when children are involved. Have you talked with your kids about trusted adults and safe reporting?