Former youth pastor arraigned on sex counts

Charges stem from alleged relationship with juvenile female

The Times Bulletin, Ohio/September 21, 2006

Van Wert - Former local youth pastor Aaron D. Rediger, 28, was back in court Wednesday morning for the extension of his arraignment hearing.

He first appeared in Van Wert County Court of Common Pleas on Sept. 12, charged with three counts of sexual battery.

Rediger entered a plea of not guilty to the charges against him, which stem from allegations of a sexual relationship between Rediger and a 17-year-old female from the youth group at Liberty Baptist Church. The church immediately dismissed Rediger and recalled his ordination and ministerial license.

Representing Rediger in court was an attorney from the office of Bill Kluge in Lima. The arraignment had been continued for more than a week while Rediger hired a lawyer.

Judge Charles Steele released Rediger on bond and set a pretrial hearing for October 2.