Church worker accused of raping girl under 13
Shawn P. Rickert, 38, is being held in the Miami County jail on $105,000
bail.
TROY- A Tipp City area man charged this week with rape and gross sexual
imposition for alleged acts against a girl under age 13 served as a youth
leader and director of children's church at Vandalia Baptist Temple, a Miami
County sheriff's detective said.
Shawn P. Rickert, 38, is being held in the county jail on $105,000 bail set
Tuesday, June 16, in county Municipal Court.
He faces one felony charge of rape and eight felony charges of gross sexual
imposition.
He is accused of sexual conduct and sexual contact with the child beginning
in 2005, when she was younger than 13 years of age, according to
investigative reports.
Detective Dave Norman said Thursday he was not sure if Rickert still was
associated with the Vandalia church.
The Rev. Rick Washburn Jr., pastor of Vandalia Baptist Temple, would not say
if Rickert was a church employee or volunteer.
Washburn said church leaders were advised by their lawyer to make no comment
while the investigation was ongoing.
"The church is cooperating with law enforcement agencies," he said.
The girl disclosed the alleged abuse to an adult during a discussion about
inappropriate touching , investigators said.
Norman said he did not have any complaints about other alleged victims.
He asked anyone with information that could be helpful to investigators to
call (937) 440-3965, ext . 6632.
A Vandalia police dispatcher said the department had no complaints on file
involving Rickert.
Rickert's preliminary hearing is scheduled for Thursday, June 25, in
municipal court.
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