A worship leader at a Daviess County church who admitted to having a sexual relationship with a juvenile more than a decade ago has been found deceased.
He was lodged in the Daviess County Detention Center on a $75,000 cash bond. Rodgers later bonded out of custody.
The suspect was then found deceased near his residence.
“The Daviess County Sheriff’s Office and Daviess County Coroner’s Office responded to the apparent suicide of Mr. David Rodgers around 9:45am Thursday morning near his Utica residence,” according to a Kentucky State Police press released.
At the time of his arrest, Rodgers was the worship pastor at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in the 5600 block of West Parrish Avenue (Hwy 56), just west of Owensboro. He was terminated not long after his arrest. He had been employed by the church since 2008.
Kentucky State Police Post 16 Public Affairs Officer Corey King told WFIE.com that the alleged offenses took place “around 10-11 years ago where the victim was of early age, perhaps as young as 12 …”
“The relationship flourished from there where ultimately it went to a sexual relationship …,” King added.
According to a report by The Owensboro Times, the arrest citation says that Rodgers, after being mirandized following his arrest, “confessed to the listed offenses.” The illicit relationship took place over a four to five year period.
The investigation began in January of this year when state police received a tip.
Brian Tillman, pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, posted the following statement on the church’s website following Rodgers’ arrest:
“On the evening of February 16, 2026, church leadership was made aware of sexual assault allegations against David Rodgers, who was serving as Worship Pastor at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. 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. 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.
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. Effective immediately the staff member has been terminated and prohibited from participating in church-sponsored functions. We ask that you join with us in prayer as we strive for God’s guidance as we seek truth, accountability, and discernment.”
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
