Owensboro Worship Pastor Accused of Sexual Abuse Found Dead

OWENSBORO, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — An Owensboro worship pastor accused of sexually abusing a young girl for years has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Kentucky State Police.

Police said David A. Rodgers was arrested Monday on charges including rape, sodomy by a person in a position of authority, and sexual abuse. He posted a $75,000 bond the following day, less than 24 hours after being booked into jail.

On Thursday morning, deputies found Rodgers near his home suffering from a gunshot wound. Authorities said the wound was self-inflicted.

Rodgers had served as the worship pastor at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church since 2008. Kentucky State Police said Rodgers confessed to the crimes, and investigators believe the abuse began about a decade ago and continued for several years.

The investigation remains ongoing.