A former worship pastor at Nice Grove Baptist Church in Kentucky died by suicide days after his arrest on a number of sexual abuse fees involving a minor, authorities mentioned.
David Rodgers, 40, who had been serving as worship pastor at Nice Grove Baptist Church in Owensboro, was discovered useless Thursday close to his residence in Utica after what investigators referred to as an obvious suicide, in response to Kentucky Right now.
The Daviess County Sheriff’s Workplace and the county coroner responded to the scene round 9:45 a.m., in response to Kentucky State Police.
Rodgers had been arrested earlier within the week following an investigation that started in early January. Authorities mentioned the case concerned allegations that dated again roughly a decade.
The investigation discovered Rodgers engaged in a sexual relationship with a juvenile by what police described as a place of particular belief. He confronted fees of third-degree rape, second-degree sodomy involving a place of authority, first-degree sexual abuse, procuring or selling using a minor by digital means, and possession of matter portraying a sexual efficiency by a minor beneath age 12.
In response to courtroom information, police obtained a criticism a few sexual relationship between Rodgers and a juvenile, as cited by The Owensboro Occasions. Investigators had been quoted as saying that Rodgers got here into contact with the minor by a trusted position linked to the church.
Rodgers was taken into custody, learn his rights and agreed to be interviewed. Throughout that interview, authorities mentioned, he confessed to the listed offenses.
Police mentioned the alleged relationship continued for 4 to 5 years. The sufferer was between 12 and 13 years outdated on the time the connection started, in response to The Lexington Herald-Chief.
Rodgers was initially lodged within the Daviess County Detention Heart in Owensboro and later launched on a $75,000 full money bond. Circumstances of his launch included staying no less than 500 ft away from the sufferer and avoiding contact with kids.
Church leaders mentioned they instantly terminated Rodgers’ employment after studying of the costs. The church additionally eliminated his profile from its web site and barred him from attending any church occasions.
“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,” Nice Grove Baptist Church mentioned in an announcement after the arrest.
The church additionally addressed survivors of abuse instantly, saying, “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 management mentioned the security of kids and others on campus remained a major concern.
“Well bless their hearts.”
