newsnews

20-year-old molestation investigated

By By Chase Purdy, The News Virginian
Published: November 03, 2009

» 4 Comments | Post a Comment

After two decades of silence, a 37-year-old woman decided to tell her story.

That led deputies to arrest James Preston McLaughlin, 57, of Waynesboro, for sexual crimes they said he committed.

Between 1983 and 1987, authorities said, McLaughlin molested a 14-year-old five times. Authorities declined to elaborate.

McLaughlin, who would have been in his mid-30s at the time, faces two counts of aggravated sexual battery, two counts of carnal knowledge of a child and one count of forcible sodomy, according to court records.

“The officer is charging based on statements made by the victim and [McLaughlin],” Augusta County Sheriff Randy Fisher said. “My guess is he’s just confessing his sins since he’s 57 now.”

The News Virginian does not identify victims of alleged sexual assault.

Investigator Paul McCormick said he first heard about the case Sept. 29. He filed charges two weeks later.

McLaughlin could serve more than 20 years in jail if convicted.

He remains free on bond.