New Jersey pastor charged with sexual assault

FRANKLIN TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- Gloucester County officials have arrested a Franklin Township pastor on sexual assault charges.

64-year-old James E. Simmons Jr. is charged with several counts of second degree sexual assault, criminal sexual contact and endangering the welfare of a child.

Police say Simmons, who is a pastor at the New Life in Christ Ministries in Malaga, N.J., began sexually abusing a woman when she was 17 and continued for several years.

Simmons surrendered to police Wednesday.

Bail was set at $150,000 cash.