Trial for former pastor charged with statutory rape begins Monday

Published 4:05 pm Thursday, February 27, 2020

: Former Eagle Lake United Methodist Church pastor Troy Anthony Piccaluga is escorted out of the County Court building after an initial court appearance in March 2018. (Courtland Wells/The Vicksburg Post)

The trial of a former church pastor accused of having sex with two 14-year-old girls begins Monday, 9^th Circuit District Attorney Ricky Smith said.

The Rev. Troy Anthony Piccaluga, 48, former pastor of the Eagle Lake and Redwood United Methodist churches, is charged with three counts of statutory rape in the case, which will be heard by Circuit Judge Toni Terrett.

Piccaluga was arrested March 30, 2018, at his home in the Redwood community by deputies with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office after an investigation into a complaint about a girl between the age of 14 and 16 having a sexual relationship with an older man.

The second victim was discovered during the investigation into the initial complaint.

According to reports, the incidents occurred between January and March 2018.

Piccaluga was indicted on the charges by a Warren County grand jury in August 2018. He was released from jail Sept. 9, 2018, after posting $150,000 bond.

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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