WTRE News’ Chris Ramey attended a pretrial conference on September 15, 2025 in Decatur County Superior Court for Christian Rust, the former Washington Township Trustee charged with one count of theft and three counts of official misconduct. Judge Matthew Bailey considered motions for a change of venue and to dismiss the charges during the hearing.
Rust appeared with three defense attorneys, while the State was represented by Henry County Prosecuting Attorney Richard David Culver. Judge Bailey began by addressing pretrial matters before moving on to the motions.
The defense reported that four depositions remain to be taken and may lead to further discovery, making them unable to be ready for the jury trial originally set for November 17, 2025. Culver said the State did not object to a continuance but noted he will withdraw from the case due to a family medical matter since the case will carry over into 2026. He will coordinate with state officials to assign a new prosecutor.
Judge Bailey granted the continuance, rescheduling the jury trial for February 3, 2026, at 9am, reserving three to four days for testimony.
The court next considered the defense motion for a change of venue. The defense suggested Shelby County as an appropriate location, and the State raised no objection. Judge Bailey took the matter under advisement.
Finally, the court heard arguments on a motion to dismiss counts of (count 1) theft and (count 2) official misconduct. The defense referenced Washington Township’s 2021 and 2022 salary ordinances, arguing the case hinges on how ordinance language is interpreted regarding a payment made to Rust at the end of his term. The State urged the court to allow a jury to decide the issue. Judge Bailey said he would take the motion under advisement.
The charges filed in this case are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
