Former pastor charged in sexual assault

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - A former pastor from Kalamazoo was arraigned on sexual assault charges on Thursday.

Milton Wells, formerly of Open Door Ministries, has been arraigned on two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and eight counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Undersheriff Paul Matyas of the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Department said two alleged victims were under the age of 13 at the time of the alleged assault.

Wells told 24 Hour News 8 over the phone that he is no longer a pastor. He said he has also been the president of the Commission on Homeless and the Director of the Michigan Prisoner Reentry Initiative in Kalamazoo.

Wells also said that he is out of jail on $10,000 bond.

Wells then referred 24 Hour News 8 to his attorney, Michael Cronkright of Lansing. Cronkright said that his client is cloaked in the "presumption of innocence." They plan to pursue a defense.

Wells' preliminary exam is scheduled for Feb. 9