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Michigan pastor accused of drugging sexual assault victims

Posted at 5:36 AM, Apr 02, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-02 09:56:28-04

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (WXYZ) — A Traverse City area pastor has been arrested for sexual assault and drug crimes, according to Michigan State Police.

Police say a 19-year-old man reported that Christopher Cox, 41, allegedly drugged him before sexually assaulting him at Cox's business office in Garfield Township on March 12. The victim said Cox had contacted him on Facebook and lured him to his office with the promise of crystal meth.

The victim told police that Cox allegedly provided him meth, but then also gave him GHB, known as the date rape drug. The victim said he was incapacitated by the drugs when he was sexually assaulted.

Police say the victim was taken to a medical center for examination where evidence supporting his statements was found.

A search warrant was then executed on Cox's home and business office, where several devices were seized, as well as suspected crystal meth and GHB, digital scales and packaging materials.

Police say they identified a second victim, a 26-year-old man, whose allegations were nearly identical to the first victim, and he also added that he was allegedly threatened by Cox not to report the event at the time it occurred.

Cox was arrested in Muskegon on March 29. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of a substance suspected to be crystal meth. He was charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct, first degree, and one count of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine.

Investigators encourage any additional victims or witnesses to call MSP at 231-779--6040.