Warren County minister charged with statutory rape

Published 11:34 am Friday, March 30, 2018

A Warren County minister is being held without bond in the Warren County Jail accused of having sex with two girls between the ages of 14 and 16.

Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace said the Rev. Troy Anthony Piccaluga, 48, pastor of the Eagle Lake and Redwood United Methodist churches, was arrested Thursday afternoon at his home in the Redwood community. He is charged with two counts of statutory rape and one count of sexual battery in the case. It is not known if he has an attorney.

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Pace said the investigation into the case is continuing.

County Judge John Price declined to set a bond for Piccaluga at an initial appearance Friday morning in Warren County Court.

According to sheriff’s reports, the incidents occurred between January and March, and the arrest was the result of an investigation into a complaint about a girl between the age of 14 and 16 having a sexual relationship with an older man.

Sheriff’s investigator Todd Dykes said during testimony at the Friday hearing that the second victim was discovered as the investigation into the initial complaint unfolded.

Pace decline to give further details about the case, citing the investigation.

About John Surratt

John Surratt is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in general studies. He has worked as an editor, reporter and photographer for newspapers in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. He has been a member of The Vicksburg Post staff since 2011 and covers city government. He and his wife attend St. Paul Catholic Church and he is a member of the Port City Kiwanis Club.

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