DARIEN — A band instructor and youth minister is facing child-molestation charges in Glynn County.
A preliminary hearing was held Tuesday for James Ray Clark, who also worked as a youth minister in Chatham, McIntosh and Glynn counties, and was a band director in Liberty and McIntosh counties. He was arrested two weeks ago for crimes Darien police said he committed more than five — and even as far back as 10 — years ago, including aggravated child molestation and criminal attempt to commit statutory rape.
An investigation was launched when police said a 26-year-old victim went public with his story and came forward to report abuse that reportedly took place between 2006-09.
Earlier this month, Clark resigned as the band instructor at Jane Macon Middle School in Glynn County, where he had worked for 10 years.
School counselors and members of the Glynn County public schools crisis-response team are available for any students or parents who have concerns or questions.
Liberty County School System officials declined to comment on the case.
LCSS Board of Education Chairwoman Lily Baker told the Coastal Courier she was not familiar with Clark’s name.
Police are asking anyone who may have been victimized to come forward.
“We care about these children and their well-being,” Darien Police Lt. Nick Roundtree said. “And if they don’t want to talk to law enforcement ... (but) you feel like there is something they need to disclose or discuss, get them talking to a counselor or pastor — someone.”
The alleged victim said he felt guilty about not coming forward sooner and told police he did so when he learned Clark was working in Darien.
Clark’s bond has been set at $75,000 — a $25,000 cash bond and a $50,000 property bond. The case now will be sent to superior court.