SC pastor accused of kidnapping, rape

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — A South Carolina pastor is accused of kidnapping and raping a woman at gunpoint.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reports Saturday that 46-year-old Dale Richardson of Summerville is charged in North Charleston with kidnapping and possession of a firearm during a violent crime.

Police records say Richardson offered the victim a ride, but then pointed a gun at her, put a pillowcase over her head and bound her hands. A report accuses him of forcing her to have sex in a Dorchester County home. Charges are pending in that county.

Richardson says he has a spotless record and will put up a strong defense. He is the minister of Freedom Free Will Baptist Church in Ladson and manager of a construction company.

His bail was set at $525,000.

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Information from: The Post and Courier, http://www.postandcourier.com