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	Tracy Pastor Pleads Not Guilty By Jennie Rodriguez The Record June 28, 2011 http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110628/A_NEWS/106280311 MANTECA - A Tracy pastor accused of molesting a 7-year-old girl who attended his church pleaded not guilty Monday in a Manteca courtroom. Roger Earl Rickman, 65, faces a possible sentence of 45 years to life for at least five felony sexual assault charges, including three counts of sex with a child younger than 10. The possibility of a severe sentence is standard in cases involving victims younger than 10, said Elton Grau, a deputy district attorney in the child abuse/sexual assault unit of the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office. Early last week, the girl's mother reported to Tracy police that her daughter said the pastor made her perform sexual acts in his vehicle. Tracy police said the alleged abuse happened on various occasions in May, including incidents when Rickman provided the girl with rides home. Rickman was arrested three days after the report. A few supporters turned out for his arraignment Monday, including Greg Bowser, a pastor at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Tracy. Bowser believes the girl may have been coached by her parents to make false accusations, possibly because her parents were upset about decisions Rickman made regarding the church's finances. "I've been a pastor for years," Bowser said. "This is not uncommon." In Tracy, Rickman is the founding pastor of Fresh Anointing Faith International Christian Church, a group of more than 100 people that meets at American Legion Post 172. Rickman also is a chaplain at the American Legion post and at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1537. The position is part time. He also is a private investigator. "He has done some amazing contributions to the community," Bowser said. But Tracy police spokesman Sgt. Tony Sheneman said the family's claims are not made up. "The investigation has proven otherwise," he said. Sheneman said during interviews the child provided specific details that led investigators to believe she was telling the truth. Investigators believe there may be other victims who haven't come forward. "As far as other cases, in general, it is unlikely that she is his first victim," Sheneman said. Rickman is scheduled for further arraignment July 5. Contact reporter Jennie Rodriguez at (209) 943-8564 or jrodriguez@recordnet.com.
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