CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
An attorney for former mega church pastor Jack Schaap read a statement moments after U.S. marshals took the disgraced minister old into federal custody.
"He indicates that this past summer he engaged in inappropriate conduct with a young lady. In doing so, I caused harm to the young lady and her family. I also brought pain and heartache to many other people, my wife and my family, my friends, members of our church," said Schaap's attorney Paul Stracci as he read a statement on behalf of Schaap.
The former First Baptist Church of Hammond pastor is charged withe one count of transporting a 17 year old girl across state lines with the intent to have sex. He appeared in federal court for an initial appearance where he waived his rights to an indictment by a grand jury. His family had no comment after the Wednesday hearing and Schaaps home in Dyer, Indiana was empty.
His attorney read Schaap's statement where it appears he accepts full responsibility for his crime.
"I have decided to accept responsibility. I hope that my decision not to contest this matter will allow everyone to move forward with their lives. It's always distressing when a spiritual leader acts in a way contrary to his beliefs and teachings but spiritual leaders are men, susceptible to sickness, weakness, stumbling and sinning," said Stracci as he read a statement on behalf of Schaap.
Federal investigators say Schaap traveled to and from Indiana, Illinois and Michigan with the victim to engage in sexual activity between June 1st and July 30th. He's also accused of using an iPhone, iPad and other technology to fuel the improper sexual relationship. In a plea agreement, Schaap agreed to plead guilty. If convicted, he faces ten years to life behind bars and a fine up to 250-thousand dollars.
"You do the crime, you pay the time," said Cheri Pokornowski, a Hammond resident.
"He's owning up to it, that's good. It shows that there's still some good people left in the world, even though it was wrong what he did... It's good that he owned up to it. From what I understand, what I did read it was consensual at the time, in Indiana, it's 16," said Randy Guerrero, a Hammond resident.
According to the "Romeo and Juliet" defense, the legal age of consent for sexual contact in Indiana is 16 years old - the law passed in 2007 reportedly applies to consensual sex between adolescents in a dating relationship with a four year or less age difference.
Schaap is 54 years old.
