Minister/Reporter Allegedly Fondles Woman Under Hypnosis

MONROEVILLE, Pa. -- A Braddock pastor was allegedly caught on tape by a Monroeville woman who suspected he was fondling her during home counseling sessions.

The Rev. Charles Brown, of Potter's House Ministries, was arrested Monday for an alleged incident at a 28-year-old woman's apartment in Cambridge Square.

The woman told Monroeville police that Brown, 33, of Penn Hills, used hypnosis during some of their meetings. She set up a video camera to record one session in June, and the tape shows Brown kissing and fondling her while she is apparently in an altered state, according to police.

The bishop at Potter's House said Brown's resignation has been requested.

Brown covers eastern suburbs as a beat reporter for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. The paper says he is being suspended with pay while the allegations are reviewed.

Brown is charged with indecent assault. He is being held in the Allegheny County Jail on $50,000 bond.