Worship pastor arrested, faces charges of rape, sodomy with a minor
Quick Summary
- A 40-year-old worship pastor from Kentucky was arrested on charges of rape and sodomy involving a minor.
- He faces multiple charges, including third-degree rape and second-degree sodomy.
- The worship pastor was released on a $75,000 bond.
A Kentucky pastor has been arrested on charges of rape and sodomy related to allegations that he had a sexual relationship with a minor.
The Kentucky State Police announced Monday that they had arrested David A. Rodgers, a 40-year-old resident of Utica, “after an investigation revealed he engaged in a sexual relationship with a juvenile through a position of special trust.”
“Rodgers was lodged in the Daviess County Detention Center in Owensboro, KY. The investigation is ongoing by Kentucky State Police detectives,” noted authorities.
Rodgers is facing charges of third-degree rape, second-degree sodomy, first-degree sexual abuse, “Procuring or Promoting Use of a Minor by Electronic Means” and “Possession of Matter Portraying Sexual Performance by a Minor Under 12.”
Rodgers had been serving as worship pastor at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church of Owensboro.
In a statement released shortly after the arrest, the church said it has fired Rodgers and prohibited him from attending any church events.
“We are deeply saddened and troubled by these allegations. The church takes all allegations of sexual assault extremely serious[ly] and we ask that you join us in prayerfully waiting [for] information regarding this ongoing legal matter,” stated Pleasant Grove Baptist.
“We understand that for sexual assault survivors, this may initiate feelings of pain and past trauma. Please know we are praying for you and your continued healing.”
Church leadership went on to ask “that you join with us in prayer as we strive for God’s guidance as we seek truth, accountability, and discernment.”
“Pleasant Grove has always taken the physical, spiritual, and emotional safety of those on our campus, especially our children, with the utmost concern and that continues to remain of primary importance,” they stated.
“Church family, any updates on this situation or to this official statement will be communicated here or in-person.”
According to authorities, the alleged relationship with a minor, who was a member of the church, began around a decade ago when the victim was between 12 and 13 years old, and lasted for about four to five years, according to The Lexington Herald-Leader.
Rodgers was released on Tuesday when he posted a $75,000 bond. The conditions of his release include not being allowed to contact children and that he must be at least 500 feet away from the victim.
