By STEPHANIE BRUMFIELD / Staff Writer

CALERA – The pastor of New Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Calera pleaded not guilty to first-degree rape Oct. 15, according to court documents.

Harry Vester Jones, 49, was indicted Sept. 18 after being arrested by the Calera Police Department April 17. Jones was released on a $60,000 bond April 18, according to court documents.

Jones was set to appear in court for an arraignment hearing Nov. 4 but filed a waiver of arraignment and plea of not guilty Oct. 15, according to court documents.

Investigators said previously that the alleged victim is 39 years old and is not a Calera resident.

Jones will appear in court again Jan. 6 at 8:30 a.m. with Judge Dan Reeves for a status hearing.