CHICO (CA)
KRCR [Redding CA]
October 30, 2025
By Adam Robinson
A Chico pastor, accused of child molestation, pleaded not guilty to his charges in a Butte County courtroom on Thursday morning, the Butte County District Attorney’s Office announced.
The pastor, identified as Roger Scalice, 75, was arrested on Monday, Oct. 27, following an investigation by the Chico Police Department into a claim that Scalice had inappropriately touched a minor child with whom he had access for over a year. During their investigation, police said detectives found several conversations in which Scalice admitted to the conduct.
At the hearing on Thursday, officials stated that the judge set Scalice’s bail at $400,000 and ordered him to remain in custody at the Butte County Jail until his return to court on November 13, 2025, for a preliminary hearing. Officials said Scalice faces up to 16 years in prison.
Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey said that, due to the nature of the conduct and prolonged abuse, Scalice was charged with two counts of continuous sexual abuse of a child. However, Ramsey noted that, due to Scalice’s long-standing influence as a pastor, the investigation is ongoing to determine if there are other victims. Anyone with information related to either Scalice or the investigation is encouraged to contact the Chico Police Department Investigative Bureau at (530) 897-4900.