BishopAccountability.org
	Former Minister’s Trial Set By Gare Wells The Intelligencer August 6, 2008 http://www.theintelligencer.net/page/content.detail/id/512584.html?nav=510 Those who heard statements from a former Martins Ferry pastor accused of raping a female family member will be called to the stand, a Stark County prosecutor has said. Peter Pilger, 36, of Warren, Ohio, will face a jury the week of Oct. 13 in Canton's Stark County Court of Common Pleas, said Assistant Prosecutor Lori Kurd. Pilger appeared Wednesday for a hearing in the case in which he is accused of one count of rape, one count of kidnapping, three counts of attempted rape and one count of gross sexual imposition. The allegations against Pilger were made by the 12-year-old victim during a sleepover, according to reports. Kurd said witnesses will testify in court regarding comments Pilger allegedly made. "He has made statements to other people - not law enforcement," Kurd said. "He has every right not to comment to law enforcement, and he invoked that right. He has made statements to persons we will be calling as witnesses." Pilger was arrested July 3 on allegations he abused the girl over the course of as many as six years. Reports indicate the allegations came to light in April when the girl made claims to friends while playing a game called "Deep Dark Secrets." Those friends encouraged her to tell her mother of the abuse. Pilger was installed April 6 as the pastor of the Faith Lutheran Church in Massillon, Ohio. He served from 2003-08 at a New Albany, Ohio, church after serving from 1999-2003 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Martins Ferry. Kurd said Pilger faces 10 years to life in prison on the rape count. He faces a 12-year sentence on the attempted rape charges, and the kidnapping charge could result in a 10-year prison stint. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for Sept. 10.
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