Pastor at Western KY church accused of having sexual relationship with a minor
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- David Rodgers arrested on specific charges including rape, sodomy and sexual abuse.
- State police say alleged abuse began about 10 to 11 years ago and lasted years.
- Rodgers no longer listed on church staff; Kentucky State Police lead probe.
Updated note: On Feb. 20, Kentucky State Police reported the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office and Daviess County Coroner’s Office responded to Rodgers’ home for an apparent suicide Thursday morning. State police said its protocol is to keep an investigation open until an official death certificate is issued.
A former pastor at a Western Kentucky church has been arrested for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a minor, Kentucky State Police announced Monday.
David Rodgers, 40, of Utica, was arrested around 7:35 p.m. Feb. 16 after an investigation determined he had a sexual relationship with a juvenile “through a position of special trust.” State police spokesperson Corey King confirmed Rodgers served as a pastor at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church at the time of the arrest. The detail was first reported by the Owensboro Times.
The church’s pastor, Brian Tillman, said the church learned about the allegations Monday, and Rodgers was immediately fired and prohibited from participating in church-sponsored functions.
“We are deeply saddened and troubled by these allegations,” Tillman said in a statement. “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.”
Rodgers is no longer listed as a staff member on the church’s website, but a screenshot from the church’s website a few hours after Rodgers’ arrest says was ordained into the gospel ministry since 2008. He was in charge of leading the worship ministry and creative arts.
The alleged sexual relationship started about 10 to 11 years ago and lasted four to five years, according to King. The victim, who is associated with Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, was around 12 to 13 years old when the relationship started.
State police learned about the relationship in early January, when someone with knowledge of it came forward, King said. Rodgers’ arrest citation says he admitted to the allegations during an interview with police.
“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,” Tillman said in the statement.
Rodgers is charged with two counts of third-degree rape, two counts of second-degree sodomy - position of authority, two counts of first-degree sexual abuse, procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means and possession of matter portraying sexual performance by a minor younger than 12, according to court records.
He was booked into the Daviess County Detention Center, but was released Tuesday after posting a $75,000 bond. Court records say he’s not allowed to contact children and must stay at least 500 feet from the victim, among other conditions.
Rodgers was scheduled to be arraigned in Daviess District Court Friday, Feb. 20. Court records say Rodgers is dead and requested for the case to be closed.
This story was originally published February 17, 2026 at 10:22 AM.
