FRANKLIN TWP. — A Franklin Township pastor was charged April 15 with sexually assaulting a now-21-year-old woman.

James E. Simmons Jr., 64, turned himself in to police with his attorney after an investigation of a sexual assault reported to police.

The woman said the abuse began when she was 17 and continued for several years, police said.

Simmons was charged with several counts of second-degree sex assault, criminal sexual contact and endangering the welfare of a child,police said. Bail was set at $150,000 full cash. He posted and was released, police said.

According to a website, Simmons is reported to be a pastor at the New Life in Christ Ministries in Malaga, police said. None of the alleged assaults took place in the church, police said.