A former Republican party chairman from suburban Philadelphia charged with rape will appear before an out-of-county judge for an upcoming hearing.
Ex-Montgomery County GOP chairman Robert Kerns' preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 16, according to The Intelligencer.
Investigators said Kerns offered an employee a ride after a work party Oct. 25, gave her wine laced with a sleep-inducing prescription drug and raped her in his car while she was unconscious. They also allege that he sexually abused her after he took her home.
District Judge Robert Sobeck was granted permission to recuse himself from the case. He did not give a reason. His replacement has not yet been picked.
The 66-year-old Kerns faces charges including rape of an unconscious person and aggravated indecent assault. He denies the allegations.