A former worship pastor at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Owensboro, Kentucky, has been found dead just days after his arrest on multiple child abuse charges.
David Rodgers, 40, was discovered near his residence in Utica in what authorities described as an apparent suicide.
The Daviess County Sheriff’s Office and the county coroner responded to the scene around 9:45 a.m., according to Kentucky State Police.
Arrest Followed Decade-Old Allegations
Rodgers had been arrested earlier in the week after an investigation that began in early January.
Authorities said the allegations dated back roughly a decade.
According to investigators, Rodgers engaged in the repeated sexual abuse of a juvenile while serving in what police described as a position of special trust connected to the church.
He was charged with:
• Third-degree rape
• Second-degree sodomy involving a position of authority
• First-degree sexual abuse
• Procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means
• Possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under age 12
Court records cited by The Owensboro Times indicate that police received a complaint alleging a “sexual relationship” between Rodgers and a juvenile.
Investigators said Rodgers came into contact with the minor through a trusted church role.
Confession and Bond Release
Authorities stated that Rodgers was taken into custody, read his rights, and agreed to be interviewed.
During that interview, police said he confessed to the listed offenses.
According to The Lexington Herald-Leader, the sexual abuse continued for four to five years and began when the victim was between 12 and 13 years old.
Rodgers was initially held at the Daviess County Detention Center and later released on a $75,000 full cash bond.
Conditions of his release included remaining at least 500 feet away from the alleged victim and having no contact with children.
Church Responds
Church leadership said Rodgers was immediately terminated after they learned of the charges.
His profile was removed from the church’s website, and he was barred from attending any church-related events.
In a statement following his arrest, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church said:
“We are deeply saddened and troubled by these allegations.
“The church takes all allegations of sexual assault extremely seriously, and we ask that you join us in prayerfully waiting for information regarding this ongoing legal matter.”
The church also addressed survivors directly:
“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 emphasized that the safety of children and others on campus remains a top priority.
Investigation Closed Following Death
With Rodgers’ death, the criminal case will not proceed to trial.
Authorities have not indicated that any additional suspects are involved.
The investigation remains on record, and officials have not released further details at this time.
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