A former Kentucky pastor David Rodgers, 40, took his life after being arrested on multiple sexual abuse charges, including possession of abuse materials exploiting a minor under 12.
Police initially arrested Rodgers on Feb. 16, and he was then released on a $75,000 bond. A few days after the arrest, on Feb. 19, police responded to the report of a 40-year-old man with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
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Kentucky State Police released an updated statement the next day. “The Daviess County Sheriff’s Office and Daviess County Coroner’s Office responded to the apparent suicide of Mr. David Rodgers around 9:45 am yesterday morning near his Utica residence.” Police protocol dictates the case remain open until a formal death certificate is entered, after which the case can be closed.
Police began its investigation after receiving a complaint in January 2026 accusing Rodgers of inappropriate behavior against a minor, according to reporting by 14 News.
The former worship pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church was ultimately charged with various sexual abuse crimes, including 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, and possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under the age of 12.
“It looks like it was somewhere around 10–11 years ago where the victim was of early age, perhaps as young as 12 but that can give or take some years with that. The relationship flourished from there where ultimately it went to a sexual relationship and ultimately that’s where the charges stem from with sodomy, rape 3rd, and also the abusing the power of trust,” Kentucky State Police Trooper Corey King said, according to 14 News.
After his arrest, Rodgers confessed to the offenses during his interview with police.
Church response
Upon receiving news of Rodgers’ investigation and arrest, Pleasant Grove immediately removed him from his position. They released the statement on their website. “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,” the church said. “The church takes all allegations of sexual assault extremely serious and we ask that you join us in prayerfully waiting information regarding this ongoing legal matter.”
At the time of writing, Rodger’s death is still under active investigation pending further official comment from the Kentucky State Police.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Stacey Horton and originally published by MinistryWatch.
