Oklahoma Pastor Arrested on 15 Felony Counts Involving Alleged Sexual Abuse of Two Juveniles; Another Pastor Charged

LAWTON, OKLAHOMA (BuzzReport)— A 53-year-old pastor and ministry founder in Lawton, Oklahoma, was arrested October 21, 2026, following a police search warrant in an investigation involving allegations of sexual abuse against two juvenile male victims. The case has also led to the arrest of a second man described as a pastor or assistant associated with the ministry.

James Lamont Newton, founder of Another Chance International Outreach Ministries, faces 15 felony counts stemming from allegations that reportedly span more than a decade, from 2010 through 2023. The charges include five counts of first-degree rape by force or fear, five counts of lewd or indecent acts involving a child under 16, and five counts of sodomy by force or fear.

The allegations are serious and involve claims of sexual abuse against minors. Investigators reportedly allege that Newton used his position of religious authority, along with gifts and financial assistance, to establish influence over the victims and maintain control. These claims remain allegations, and the charges have not been established as proof of guilt in court.

Second Pastor Arrested in Connection With Investigation

The investigation also resulted in the arrest of Jimmie Lamont Butler, 52, who is described as a pastor or assistant associated with the ministry. Butler reportedly faces an accessory-to-a-felony charge.

According to the allegations outlined in the case, investigators believe Butler transported victims and guarded doors during incidents of alleged abuse. Those claims raise additional questions about whether another individual may have helped facilitate the alleged conduct or prevent others from intervening.

Butler’s precise alleged role, the evidence supporting the accessory charge and the specific circumstances surrounding his arrest have not been independently confirmed for this report. His charge is separate from the 15 felony counts filed against Newton.

Allegations Span More Than a Decade

The reported timeframe of the investigation, extending from 2010 through 2023, places the alleged conduct across approximately 13 years. The involvement of two juvenile victims makes the case particularly serious, while the length of the reported period raises questions about when the allegations first came to light and what investigators have learned during their review.

Authorities’ reported allegations involving gifts, financial assistance and religious authority may become important as the case proceeds. Investigators will need to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged incidents and determine what evidence supports the accusations against each defendant.

The information provided for this report does not detail how the victims initially came forward, whether additional witnesses have been interviewed, or whether investigators believe other individuals may have information relevant to the case. It is also unclear whether authorities have identified additional potential victims.

Previous Allegations From the Late 1990s Under Review

Newton’s background has also drawn attention because of previous molestation allegations reported in Lawton in 1998 and 1999, when he was approximately 25 years old and associated with Another Chance Outreach Ministries Inc.

Those earlier charges were reportedly dismissed after a victim recanted during court proceedings. Investigators are now said to be reviewing the historical allegations alongside the current case.

The earlier case must be distinguished from the allegations filed in 2026. A dismissal is not a conviction, and the previous allegations do not establish guilt in the current proceedings. Any historical information considered by investigators would need to be evaluated under the applicable law and evidentiary standards.

The review of the earlier case could nevertheless become relevant to investigators as they examine the history of the ministry, previous reports and any information that may help establish the timeline of the current allegations.

Ministry Leadership Under Scrutiny

Newton has been identified as the leader of Another Chance International Outreach Ministries in Lawton, an organization also reportedly referenced as Prophetic Judah Kingdom International Ministry.

The case places the ministry’s leadership under scrutiny as authorities investigate allegations involving individuals who reportedly had access to the victims through a religious setting. However, the allegations against Newton and Butler should not automatically be attributed to other members, congregants or individuals associated with the organization.

Questions remain about the ministry’s operations during the years covered by the allegations, the nature of the relationships between the defendants and the victims, and whether investigators have identified records or witnesses that could help clarify what occurred.i

What Happens Next?

As the investigation and court proceedings move forward, important details remain outstanding, including the specific evidence supporting each charge, the status of the defendants’ court appearances, and whether prosecutors intend to pursue additional charges.