Worship Leader Arrested for Sexual Relationship with Juvenile

Daviess County church terminates employee after confession to decade-old offenses

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A 40-year-old worship leader at a Daviess County, Kentucky church has been arrested and charged with multiple sex crimes involving a juvenile that allegedly occurred over a 4-5 year period more than a decade ago. The church has terminated the employee and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing issue of sexual abuse within religious institutions and the need for robust safeguards to protect vulnerable members of the community, especially minors. It also raises questions about how churches respond to such allegations and the long-term impacts on survivors.

The details

Kentucky State Police arrested David A. Rodgers, the former worship pastor at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, and charged him with third-degree rape, second-degree sodomy, first-degree sexual abuse, promoting the use of a minor in a sexual performance, and possession of child pornography. Rodgers confessed to the offenses, which allegedly occurred over a 4-5 year period when the victim was as young as 12 years old.

  • The alleged offenses took place around 10-11 years ago.
  • Rodgers was arrested by Kentucky State Police on February 16, 2026.
  • Rodgers was terminated from his position at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church shortly after his arrest.

The players

David A. Rodgers

A 40-year-old former worship pastor at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church who was arrested and charged with multiple sex crimes involving a juvenile.

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church

A church in Daviess County, Kentucky where Rodgers was employed as the worship pastor until his termination following his arrest.

Brian Tillman

The pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church who issued a statement regarding the allegations against Rodgers.

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What they’re saying

“We are deeply saddened and troubled by these allegations. 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.”

— Brian Tillman, Pastor, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church (Pleasant Grove Baptist Church website)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Rodgers to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case underscores the urgent need for churches to have robust safeguarding policies and procedures in place to protect minors and respond swiftly and transparently to any allegations of abuse. It also highlights the long-lasting trauma experienced by survivors of sexual violence within religious institutions.