Former Naperville Priest Sentenced for Sexual Abuse in Michigan

A former priest who was once assigned to St. Raphael Church in Naperville was sentenced Friday to 20-40 years in prison for sexual abuse, according to a news release from the Michigan Attorney General's office.

James Rapp, 75, was convicted on three counts of second degree criminal sexual conduct. He was also sentenced to 10-15 years for his conviction on three counts of second degree criminal sexual conduct. Rapp will serve both sentences concurrently. 

The charges stem from his time as a priest, teacher and coach at a Michigan high school in the 1980s.

According to the AG, more than a dozen victims gave victim impact statements at the sentencing hearing detailing their abuse by Rapp. The Chicago Tribune reported Rapp coerced students into having sexual contact with him while he worked at the high school.

“I am grateful for the efforts of the Detectives from my office and the staff of Attorney General Bill Schuette in bringing a successful resolution to the victims of these horrible crimes perpetrated against children,” Jackson County, Mich. Sheriff Steve Rand said in a statement.

More than 30 years after the crimes occurred, two of Rapp's victims reported the sexual abuse to the Jackson County Sheriff's department. An investigation was launched that revealed several more victims.

Rapp was charged in January and June 2015.

He held teaching positions across the country including in Naperville and Oklahoma and is currently completing a prison sentence in Oklahoma for similar offenses. He is scheduled to be released in the summer of 2016.

Edward Flavin, director of communications for the Roman Catholic Church Diocese of Joliet confirmed to the Tribune that Rapp served at St. Raphael Church. Flavin told the paper there were no complaints filed against Rapp while he served in that role.

Image via Michigan AG's Office