By ROBERT LINNEHAN | The Haddonfield Sun
Charges against a local Haddonfield pastor have been dropped, according to Camden County Prosecutor spokesperson Jason Laughlin.
The Rev. Mark-Anthony Rassman of the Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church had been accused of forging his signature on documents that gave him legal possession of a deceased church member’s property.
Laughlin said there was not enough evidence to pursue prosecution against Rassman.
Rassman had been accused by the relative of a dead parishioner that he had forged his name on several documents giving him legal possession of two pieces of property within the borough.
When the allegations arose in March, he released a statement from his personal lawyer, Salvatore J. Siciliano of Siciliano and Associates, proclaiming his innocence.
“In light of the allegations that have been placed upon me, my attorney has made the following statement on my behalf,” said Rassman in the statement. “I can assure that you when we go to court that I have done nothing illegal or unethical! Your continued support and prayers are needed.”
The parishioner, Rassman said, was his godmother who signed the deeds over to him so he could take steps to repair the dilapidated properties and pass them down to her grandchildren. She wanted to leave a legacy to her grandchildren, he said, but passed away before she could see it happen.
Only “a fool” would steal something to go into debt, he said.
Rassman said the charges never had anything to do with his responsibilities as reverend for Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church.
See this week’s print edition of The Sun for the full story.
