Hirner blames problems for sexual abuse of children

Hirner blames problems for sexual abuse of childrenBy LESTER MURRAYnews@kilgorenewsherald.com

Rusk County District Attorney Michael Jimerson began a trial yesterday of a Kilgore man charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child.

Russell Hirner, 43, 2098 County Road 186, Kilgore is charged with having sex with a child under age 14. If convicted, He could receive a sentence of five to 99 years or life.

Jimerson said Hirner is alleged to have performed a sexual act on a female who was eight years old at the time.

"HIrner also has charges pending in the Gregg County District Attorney's office for similar charges," said Jimerson.

According to the Rusk County District Attoney's office, Hirner is a minister at the Longview Baptist Temple, 2200 W Loop 281 in Longview.

Pastor Bob Gray from the Longview Baptist Temple said he could not comment on the case at this time because he was under subpoena from the Rusk County Attorney's officer. "Hirner was an employee at the Longview Baptist Temple," said Gray.

Hirner testified Wednesday that a combination of depression, a bad marriage and erectile dysfunction led him to molest seven girls at his home.

Hirner said the girls he molested came to his home while their parents worked.