Pastor's preliminary hearing postponed

The preliminary hearing for the Baptist pastor charged with sexually assaulting two children from his congregation was rescheduled this week.

The Rev. Carlton F. Hammonds 56, of the Willows Baptist Church on Tehama Street, has pleaded not guilty to four felony charges of sexual assault against two minors, though prosecutors have said Hammonds reportedly victimized "many" more from his congregation.

Hammonds was arrested Nov. 20 outside his church by Glenn County Sheriff's deputies after nearly a three-year investigation. He posted a $100,000 bail bond Thanksgiving Day and was released.

A preliminary hearing scheduled for Jan. 9 was postponed Wednesday in Superior Court after Hammonds said he planned to retain a private attorney. His court-appointed attorney, Albert Smith, will be replaced by a still unnamed attorney at Hammonds next court appearance Jan. 15, a court spokeswoman confirmed.