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	Some Sex Charges Dismissed against Church Worker By Nancy Bowman Dayton Daily News June 26, 2009 http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/crime/some-sex-charges-dismissed-against-church-worker-179151.html TROY — A charge of rape and four counts of gross sexual imposition against a youth leader and director of children’s church at Vandalia Baptist Temple were dismissed Thursday, June 25, but Shawn P. Rickert remains jailed on four additional gross sexual imposition charges. Refiling of the charges dismissed against Rickert, 38, who lives near Tipp City, will be sought through a Miami County grand jury, sheriff’s Detective Dave Norman said. The charges were dismissed in county Municipal Court because the alleged victim, now age 10, was not available at court Thursday to testify regarding specific allegations. Rickert initially was charged last week for alleged sexual conduct and sexual contact with the girl beginning in 2005. The Rev. Rick Washburn Jr., pastor of Vandalia Baptist Temple, would not say if Rickert was a church employee or a volunteer. He said church leaders were advised by their lawyer to make no comment while the investigation is ongoing. Investigation reports said the girl disclosed the alleged abuse to an adult during a discussion about inappropriate touching. Norman said Thursday he has not received any other complaints regarding Rickert since the case became public. He asked anyone with information that could be helpful to investigators to call (937) 440-3965 extension 6632. Vandalia police said they did not have any complaints involving Rickert. He remains in the county jail on bail of $40,000. Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2292 or nbowman@DaytonDailyNews.com
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