An Ellicott City man has been arrested and charged in connection with the sexual abuse of a minor, Howard County police have announced. James Alan Soltysiak, 56, is facing charges of second-degree rape, sexual abuse of a minor, and second-degree assault. According to the Howard County Police Department, Soltysiak is held without bond at the Howard County Detention Center.
The investigation began after the teenage victim confided in a trusted adult this past October. Upon learning of the allegations, the adult immediately contacted the authorities. The police have revealed that, although Soltysiak served as a Boy Scout leader at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Ellicott City for the last five years, the abuse is not believed to be connected to his role at the church. However, due to his involvement with youth, the police decided to go public with this information. Detectives are urging anyone with possible information, or those who may have been affected by Soltysiak, to come forward.
The victim revealed that the abuse started in May, leading to Soltysiak’s arrest last week following a thorough investigation by detectives. Authorities are now seeking the community’s help in the ongoing case, asking anyone with information, including any other children Soltysiak may have victimized, to contact police at 410-313-STOP or [email protected].
