Hearing postponed for Butler pastor accused of sexual assault
BUTLER TWP — A Butler pastor accused of sexually assaulting two underage girls had his preliminary hearing postponed on Thursday, Dec. 14.
The hearing for Herman C. Rushing Jr., 67, was set to happen before District Judge Kevin O’Donnell on Thursday, but will be rescheduled to give Rushing time to obtain a public defender.
Rushing, the pastor of By His Grace Christian Ministries, is accused of having inappropriate sexual contact with two girls under the age of 16 on numerous occasions. Police said he also engaged in inappropriate sexual acts with an adult female member of the congregation.
Rushing was charged Dec. 6, with felonies and misdemeanors of indecent assault, corruption of minors and child endangerment for the alleged incidents involving 13-year-old and 16-year-old girls. He was arrested and placed in Butler County Prison in lieu of $75,000 bail, according to charging documents.
Separate charges will be filed in regard to the assault of the congregation member, according to Trooper Bertha Cazy, public information officer for Troop D.
The investigation into Rushing is ongoing. Cazy encouraged any other potential victims to call the barracks at 724-284-8100.
