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Oakland man faces sex crimes charges

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February 18th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

A Pottawattamie County man who holds a key position with a local ward of the Church of the Latter Day Saints (LDS), has been charged with six counts of sex-related crimes. According to the Daily NonPareil, 26-year old James Raborn, of Oakland, has been charged with two felony counts of sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist, two misdemeanor counts of sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist as well as single misdemeanor counts of dissemination or exhibition of obscene materials to minors and purchase or possession of a depiction of a minor in a sex act. The charges stem from alleged sexual relationships with two 16-year-old females.

No-contact orders, which prohibit Raborn from contacting the victims, were filed on Wednesday. Raborn was arrested on Feb. 12th and posted $65,000 bond one day later. His attorney, Jordan Glaser, said Raborn plans to plead not guilty.

According to Raborn’s arrest affidavit, he works as a ward young men president for LDS. The LDS’ webpage says the ward young men president serves as a member of the ward priesthood executive committee and the ward council. As a member of this committee and council, he participates in efforts to build faith and strengthen individuals and families. Investigators interviewed a representative with the LDS church who said that Raborn was a member of its clergy.

Investigators with the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office said that Raborn met the two 16-year-old girls in his role as ward young men president. In the arrest affidavit, the two victims are listed only as Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2. Jane Doe 1 reportedly met Raborn in July of 2015 and later introduced him to Jane Doe 2.

According to the arrest affidavit, Jane Doe 1 met with authorities on Nov. 12th, and Jane Doe 2 was interviewed on Dec. 4. Both reportedly said they performed sexual acts with Raborn and received explicit pictures from the suspect. Jane Doe 1 reportedly told authorities that she was aware that Raborn was married with children.

With a search warrant, investigators searched residences in Oakland and Red Oak and allegedly found explicit pictures of Jane Doe 2 as well as text messages between the two of them describing their relationship. The two victims also turned in gifts of jewelry, clothes and memorabilia, which they allegedly received from Raborn.

If convicted of the felony sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist charges, Raborn could receive up to five years in prison. His next court date is a preliminary hearing on March 9th.