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	Former Pastor Facing Charges Police: Man Stole from 'Jesus Saves' Church By David Hurst Altoona Mirror [New Alexandria PA] March 27, 2007 http://www.altoonamirror.com/News/articles.asp?articleID=10365 The former pastor locked in a legal battle with his former congregation at the "Jesus Saves" church faces criminal charges. Investigators say Randy L. Rugh of New Alexandria illegally cashed more than $25,000 of Chickaree Union Church's savings between June 2005 and early 2006. The two deposits consisted of offerings and fundraiser money the church collected to keep the Route 22 parish going, the congregation's attorney says. "He basically cleaned the church out," Ebensburg attorney Timothy Burns said Monday. The charges, two felony counts each of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property, were filed after the Cambria County District Attorney's Office reviewed the case. The DA's office was approached by the church congregation, led by member Joseph Fletcher Jr. of Jackson Township. Congregation members say Rugh tried to close the church in 2006 and got away with the money by setting up a Blairsville-based nonprofit under the church's name. In a civil lawsuit filed in July, the congregation claims Rugh also nearly got away with church pews, Bibles and a Communion set before police intervened last year. Burns said Monday that the lawsuit will be on hold while the criminal matter works its way through court. The congregation believes Rugh took more money but has been unable to prove it because Rugh has the account books. "We think there is a lot more out there," Burns said, adding that money the church received from PennDOT when a Route 22 widening project began remains unaccounted for. "The congregation has been hanging in there. [Members have] been patient, but they want justice." Rugh was not reached for comment Monday. His Latrobe-area attorney, Leonard Reeves, said he could not comment because he had not seen the complaint. Rugh was hired in January 2002 through an agreement with the church board, according to the lawsuit. He since has founded New Beginning Fellowship at the same address as his Chickaree Union Church Inc. nonprofit. A preliminary hearing for Rugh has been set for May 14 before Magisterial District Judge Mary Ann Zanghi. Mirror Staff Writer David Hurst is at 946-7457 or dhurst@altoonamirror.com.
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