CENTREVILLE (MI)
Sturgis Journal
By Corky Emrick
Sturgis Journal
CENTREVILLE — Charges against a former pastor of a Sturgis church were amended Thursday at a preliminary examination in St. Joseph County District Court.
Steven Lynn Ruger, 42, of Vicksburg was originally charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct in one case, and two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct in a second case. Ruger now faces six counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and three counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.
District Judge Jeffrey Middleton set a circuit court arraignment date for June 16. He also denied a request to lower Ruger’s bond.
The first of two cases against Ruger was held in a closed courtroom to protect the 13-year-old victim.