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  Minister Admits in Court to Molesting Family Member

Canton Repository

October 1, 2008

http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?Category=15&ID=433983&subCategoryID=0

CANTON A former minister admitted in court this morning to molesting a family member.

Peter L. Pilger, 36, of Warren, pleaded guilty to kidnapping, rape, gross sexual imposition and three counts of attempted rape.

Stark County Common Pleas Judge John G. Haas is scheduled to sentence Pilger on Oct. 29.

The most serious charges of kidnapping and rape each carry potential sentences of three to ten years in prison, although Pilger won't necessarily receive consecutive sentences.

The judge also will classify Pilger as a Tier III sex offender, requiring life-time registration with the county sheriff, said Assistant Stark County Prosecutor Lori Curd.

Pilger, a former Jackson Township resident, sexually abused a girl during a six-year period ending in April, when township police began investigating.

In at least one incident, Pilger locked the girl in a walk-in closet and engaged in sexual acts, according to court papers.

The abuse occurred in Stark and Franklin counties. The girl is now 12.

In May, church officials formally removed Pilger as pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Massillon. Pilger was assigned to the church a month before but had no contact with the congregation after early April, church officials have said.

 
 

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