Published: November 07, 2007 11:06 pm            

Pastor: Drop charges in church CD dispute

EBENSBURG — The former pastor of a Jackson Township church known as the “Jesus Saves’’ church asked a judge Wednesday to throw out charges that he illegally cashed a $23,540 church certificate of deposit.

The Rev. Randy J. Rugh of New Alexandria is facing trial on charges of theft by failure to make required disposition of funds and receiving stolen property.

Defense attorney Brian Bronson of Greensburg told Judge David Tulowitzki, “This is a civil dispute between an incorporated and unincorporated church and is not an actual crime.”

Tulowitzki did not immediately rule on the defense motion, but questioned Chief Deputy District Attorney David Kaltenbaugh about the criminal intent in the allegations.

Kaltenbaugh maintained that the harm is to the members of the original Chickaree Union Church, located on Chickaree Mountain. The house of worship is known as the “Jesus Saves” church because of a large sign posted on it proclaiming that message.

Rugh cashed the certificate of deposit after he incorporated another church with the same name in the Blairsville area.

“These plans were not disclosed to them (at the original church),” Kaltenbaugh said.

“The transfer was a ruse and deception.”

But Bronson contended that Rugh, as president of the incorporated church, had the legal right to cash the certificate, which carried the incorporated church’s name.

Also pending in county court is a separate civil lawsuit by 19 members of the original congregation who are suing Rugh for the money.

        

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