A change of venue has been granted for a Neosho self-proclaimed pastor accused of several felony sexual abuse charges.

Proceedings for Randall “Danny” Russell will now be held in McDonald County, after a change of venue was granted Thursday in Newton County Circuit Court.

During a preliminary hearing, three women, now ages 20 to 24, testified Russell molested, sodomized or raped them when they were under age.

Russell faces 12 felony charges in Newton County, as well as a misdemeanor charge of child molestation. These include two counts of first degree statutory sodomy, six counts of second-degree statutory sodomy, one count of second-degree statutory rape, two counts of first-degree child molestation and one count of child abuse.

A pre-trial conference has been set for 10 a.m. Aug. 19 in McDonald County Circuit Court.
Judge Timothy Perigo will preside.