A former Kentucky worship pastor, David A. Rodgers, 40, died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound on February 19, 2026, just days after his arrest on multiple felony sex abuse charges. Deputies from the Daviess County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to a residence in the 7700 block of Todd Bottums Road near Utica at approximately 9:54 a.m. following a report of a shooting.
Upon arrival, they discovered a deceased male, later identified as Rodgers, in the yard.
Rodgers, a male, had been arrested on February 16, 2026, by Kentucky State Police following an investigation that began in January into allegations of a sexual relationship with a juvenile. The investigation revealed that Rodgers allegedly engaged in a sexual relationship with the minor through a position of special trust connected to his role as a worship pastor at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. The alleged abuse reportedly started when the victim was 11 or 12 years old and continued for several years.
The charges against Rodgers included third-degree rape, second-degree sodomy, first-degree sexual abuse, and procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means. Following his arrest, Rodgers confessed to the offenses during an interview with investigators. He was booked into the Daviess County Detention Center and was placed on suicide watch due to the nature of the charges. Rodgers was released on February 17 after posting a $75,000 cash bond. His death occurred before a scheduled arraignment. The investigation into his death is ongoing, and the criminal case against him will remain open until an official death certificate is issued.
