Howard County Police said Tuesday that an Ellicott City man has been charged in the sexual abuse of a teen and was arrested last week.
James Alan Soltysiak, 56, volunteered as a Boy Scout leader at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Ellicott City for the past five years, police said. He has been charged with second-degree rape and assault, as well as sexual abuse of a minor.
According to Howard County Police, the alleged abuse was unrelated to Soltysiak’s role. However, the information is being released due to his access to minors, police said.
The Archdiocese of Baltimore responded on behalf of the Rev. Mike Triplett, who is pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The Baltimore-area Scouts council revoked Soltysiak’s membership to the Boy Scouts organization “when it became aware of allegations of criminal activity and unsuitable behavior for adult leadership,” said Christian Kendzierski, a spokesperson for the archdiocese.
Kendzierski said Soltysiak is “no longer eligible to work or volunteer” within the Archdiocese of Baltimore, including Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
A spokesperson with the Baltimore Scouts area council could not immediately be reached for comment.
Kendzierski said Soltysiak had completed all screening and training requirements to serve as a volunteer in the archdiocese and had cleared all background checks.
The victim disclosed the alleged abuse, which began in May, to an adult in mid-October, police said in a statement. Detectives launched an investigation which led to Soltysiak’s arrest. He is currently being held without bond at the Howard County Detention Center.
Howard County Police said there’s “currently no indication there are additional victims,” but encouraged “anyone who has information otherwise to come forward.”
Justin Lake, Soltysiak’s attorney listed in online court records, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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