Former Goose Creek pastor pleads guilty to sexually abusing child, gets 26 years in prison

A former Goose Creek pastor who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a child over an eight-year stretch was sentenced to 26 years in prison Friday.

James Doscher, a 63-year-old Ladson man, served as pastor of New Life Church in Goose Creek, authorities said. A witness who spoke on Doscher's behalf in court said Doscher more recently served as a small group leader at Faith Assembly church in Summerville.

A circuit court judge sentenced him to 26 years in prison on a charge of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, 20 years on a charge of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor and 15 years on a charge of committing a lewd act on a child. The sentences will run concurrently, and Doscher must serve at least 85 percent of the 26 years.

Authorities said the abuse took place a decade ago, so the maximum time Doscher could face on the most serious charge was 30 years in prison.

Prosecutors said Doscher abused a girl from when she was 8 years old until she was 14. The girl told family members about the abuse when she was 12, but they did not act upon it, officials said.

The victim, as an adult, came forward to law enforcement officers. She told them that she worried “that other children may be suffering Doscher's abuse,” according to Assistant Solicitor Anne Williams.

Solicitor Scarlett Wilson encouraged anyone with further information about Doscher to speak up.

“This prosecution and the hefty sentence is a great message to victims who have not yet been heard,” Wilson said. “While these cases often have evidentiary challenges, we are willing to work with victims and their families to fight for them. It is never too late to come forward.”

Reach Allyson Bird at 937-5594 or Twitter.com/allysonjbird.