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	Shifflett Pleads Not Guilty By Liz Mitchell Star-Exponent [Culpeper VA] September 19, 2006 http://www.starexponent.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=CSE/ MGArticle/CSE_MGArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1149190698477 The case of Charles Shifflett, pastor of First Baptist Church of Culpeper, might not be tried until next year. In Culpeper Circuit Court Monday, Shifflett, 54, pleaded not guilty to seven felony charges of physical and sexual abuse against children and requested a trial by jury. The alleged charges involve five victims for incidents that occurred up to 20 years ago at Calvary Baptist Church - where Shifflett was the former pastor - and its adjoining K-12 private school. Shifflett's lawyer, Samuel Higginbotham II, of Orange, told Judge John Cullen in court Monday that he and Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Tom Smith are still discussing a motion to either combine or separate the charges. If joined, the trial could take several days. If separated, Smith said the court would probably be looking at four separate trials. The motion hearing is scheduled for Oct. 25. Higginbotham said his client has already waived his right to a speedy trial and would prefer to try the case next year. After consulting the court's calendar, Cullen said he would generally reserve four trial dates: Jan. 3 and 4 and Jan. 29 and 30, but the actual trial date would not be set until the motion is heard in October. Smith said the commonwealth is not seeking to join the charge involving Liz Bailey with any of the other charges. According to a citizen obtained warrant, in March 1988 Bailey was finishing some homework alone in a classroom at the church's school when Shifflett came in and rubbed his privates against her arm with lascivious intent. This is one of two charges Shifflett faces involving indecent liberties with children. He also faces five charges of cruelty and injury to children. The Class 6 felonies carry a total sentence of up to 35 years in prison or a $17,500 fine. Shifflett is now scheduled to appear in court Oct. 25 at 1:30 p.m. for a motion hearing, where the court would decide to try all the charges at once or independently. Shifflett remains out of jail on bond with conditions that require him to refrain from alcohol, drugs and possessing firearms. He is also forbidden to have direct or indirect contact or communication with any witnesses who will testify in the case, the victims or their family members. And he must not have contact with anyone under 18 unless another adult is present. Liz Mitchell can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 110 or emitchell@starexponent.com.
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