Local pastor charged with attempted rape

By Rachel Spotts
WHEC
August 21, 2015

http://www.whec.com/article/stories/s3885861.shtml

A local pastor is charged with attempted rape for an assault that prosecutors say happened at his church.

Samuel McCullough, age 84, of Gates is charged with two counts of attempted rape and endangering the welfare of a child.

What’s most troubling to prosecutors is the age difference. Pastor McCullough is 84 and his alleged victim is under seventeen. To make matters worse, prosecutors say the attempted rape happened multiple times at McCullough’s church Caring and Sharing Christian Ministry.

Assistant District Attorney Meredith Vacca said, “The allegations involve one victim -- although I can tell you that it's an ongoing investigation.”

Vacca says the abuse began in August of last year and continued through July of this year.

"It's always difficult to hear about these things, but they do happen," said Vacca. "It's important to get this out in the public eye so they know about it."

McCullough is due back in court in September. In the meantime, the DA’s office is asking anyone with information about the alleged attempted rape, or if there are other victims, to call police right away.