A pastor from the Butler area is facing charges for sexually assaulting two young girls.
State Police say after an extensive investigation, they have charged 67-year-old Herman Rushing Jr., who is the pastor at By His Grace Christian Ministries.
Rushing is accused of having inappropriate contact with a 10 and 15-year-old girl. According to the criminal complaint, Rushing Jr. was the step-grandfather to both kids.
The incidents allegedly happened over a two-year period beginning in December 2020 through this year. Investigators say that Rushing Jr. assaulted the girls both at their home in Portersville and at his house in Butler Township.
Police were first alerted to the allegations in October of this year by the child’s parents.
State police are also accusing Rushing Jr. of inappropriate sexual contact with an adult woman at the church, which is located at the corner of Penn and McKean Streets. Charges are pending for this incident.
Officials with the Butler VA also confirm that Rushing Jr. was an employee, although they did not disclose what his role was with the organization.
Rushing Jr. has been arraigned and is now in the Butler County Prison.
The case is still open for investigation for the possibility of more victims to come forward. Victims can contact state police and state police will meet in a private location to discuss sensitive information.
