A Lawton pastor is being held on $5 million cash-only bond after being charged with 15 felonies, including five counts each of first-degree rape by force or fear, lewd or indecent acts to a child under 16, and sodomy by force or fear. James LaMont Newton, 53, of Cache, led Another Chance Outreach Ministries in Lawton. According to Detective Sedona Warren, the investigation began September 9 after allegations involving juvenile males at the church. One man, now 28, told investigators the abuse began when he was 12 years old and continued for years.
Investigators say Newton used his position to control victims through religious teachings, guilt, threats, public humiliation and physical violence, while also providing gifts, status and financial assistance that kept them compliant into adulthood. His assistant and security officer, 52-year-old Jimmy LaMont Butler, is charged with accessory to a felony and held on $250,000 bond. Newton has been ordered to have no contact with Butler, witnesses or alleged victims, and a preliminary hearing is set for January 22, 2027.
Court records show Newton was previously accused of sexually abusing young males in 1999, but those allegations were recanted and the case was dismissed. The Lawton Police Department says this investigation is ongoing and additional victims are possible. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Division at (580) 581-3240. What safeguards do you think local churches should have in place to protect children?
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