Butler County pastor arrested on charges of inappropriate sexual contact with two young girls
PORTERSVILLE, Pa. (KDKA) — A Butler pastor is behind bars after state police say he had inappropriate sexual contact with two young girls.
Herman Rushing Jr., 67, is a pastor at By His Grace Christian Ministries off N. McKean Street in Butler.
He faces charges, including indecent assault, corruption of minors, and endangering the welfare of children in connection to incidents involving two girls, now ages 13 and 16.
Trooper Bertha Cazy told KDKA-TV more charges are pending, related to an incident involving an adult church member.
Court records said parents of the 13-year-old reported to state police on Oct. 28, 2023, that Rushing had been touching her inappropriately multiple times since Dec. 2020 when she was 10. The teen told investigators most of the incidents happened at Rushing's house off Evans City Road, some occurring while others were around. She expressed she told a cousin about them saying they "[made] her uncomfortable."
The 13-year-old's 16-year-old sister also shared having similar encounters with Rushing. She said she didn't tell anyone "because she thought that was (his) way of showing love and because he was a pastor, she did not think that he would do that."
"It definitely is a sad situation since he is a pastor. That's someone who usually is a trusted member of the community," Cazy said.
People in the area who know Rushing didn't want to go on camera, but told KDKA-TV he was a pillar in the community, and opened the church more than 10 years ago.
They said the pastor moved to Butler from Charlotte, North Carolina about 16, 17 years ago and sought help for addiction at the local veterans affairs center. Recently, Rushing became a social worker there with a full caseload to help others in recovery.
Cazy confirmed to KDKA-TV Rushing was or still is employed with the VA.
KDKA-TV reached out to the VA. The agency released the following statement:
"We defer all questions related to these allegations and the rest of this individual to local authorities."
In the criminal complaint, Rushing's wife confirmed to investigators, "[her husband] used to take [the younger teen] into their bedroom and lay down with her while watching television…" saying "it made her uncomfortable, but that she did not think he would do anything."
KDKA-TV knocked on Rushing's door to speak with his wife. A car was parked in the driveway, but no one responded. According to the church's website, his wife is also a pastor at the congregation.
In the meantime, state police want to encourage anyone else who may have been victimized by Rushing to contact them.
"This case is still open. It is possible that there'll be more victims coming forward," Cazy said.
KDKA-TV reached out to the church for comment, but have not heard back at this time.
Rushing remains in Butler County Prison on $75,000 bail. He'll return to court for his preliminary hearing on Dec. 14.
Anyone with information can contact law enforcement at 724-284-8100.