CHRISTIANA, Tenn. (WKRN) – The owner of a horse stable in Christiana has been charged with multiple counts of rape following an extensive investigation, according to a Rutherford County detective. 

On Thursday, Sept. 28, Jason Lancaster, 51, was charged with multiple counts of rape of a teenage girl, authorities reported.

“Lancaster is the owner of Pinnacle Stables in Christiana where he possibly had sexual contact with other victims,” said Detective Amanda McPherson with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the sheriff’s office, the charges include two felony counts of rape, three counts of statutory rape by an authority figure, three counts of sexual battery by an authority figure, bribery of a witness and stalking. 

During the investigation, multiple horses were found in need of medical and nutritional attention, officials said. At least 20 horses were removed from the property.

Authorities reported that a second suspect — identified as 23-year-old Leya Victory of Christiana —  was charged with conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence.

Additional charges are pending, according to the sheriff’s office.

Lancaster is being held on $1 million bond in the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. He is expected to appear in General Sessions Court on Monday, Oct. 2 for a hearing.

News 2 tried to go to Pinnacle Stables for comment on Saturday, but our crew was asked to leave the private property.

Tennessee Voices for Victims co-founder Verna Wyatt said sexual charges involving an authority figure can be particularly difficult.

“Especially young, underage victims, they don’t want to talk about this, they don’t want to tell anyone because they’re afraid, or in the case of an authority figure, their emotions have been so manipulated that maybe they believe this person was in love with them,” Wyatt explained.

According to Wyatt, any victims in this crime are welcome to reach out to her organization for help. She encouraged parents to talk with any children who had visited the stables, and urged any other possible victims to share their stories.

“I would say take the chance to tell because people will believe, and you can release yourself from that burden and that control they have over you,” Wyatt said.

“If you feel you have been a victim of Jason Lancaster or feel you can help with information, please call me at 615-904-3190,” McPherson urged.

No further details were immediately released.