By Abigail Roberts
A Lincoln County pastor has been arrested on charges of sexual abuse, sodomy and incest.
Scott C. Hughes, 54, of Somerset, was arrested on Oct. 2 by the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office. He was booked in the Pulaski County Detention Center at about 12:36 a.m. Friday morning.
According to the jail website, Hughes has been charged with the following: sodomy (2nd degree); sexual abuse (1st degree); sodomy (3rd degree) and incest (person less than 18 by person 3 or more years older).
Hughes is a pastor at Pleasant View Baptist Church in Waynesburg. He is set to appear in court at 9 a.m. today.
The investigation is being conducted by the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, according to the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office.
Crimes Against Children Detective Jay Picard received information concerning alleged sexual contact involving Hughes and individuals who were minors at the time of the alleged offenses.
“The allegations involve conduct occurring in Pulaski County beginning in 2018,” the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office said on Facebook.
Hughes was arrested at his home Thursday night without incident. Hughes is currently being held in Pulaski County Detention Center on a $75,000 bond.
Det. Picard was assisted in the investigation by Detective Lieutenant Matt Bryant, Detective Ryan Jones, Narcotics Detective Tan Hudson, and Deputy Zach Huff.
The church has issued a statement to members in light of the recent arrest.
“This announcement comes on behalf of the personnel team in collaboration with church deacons,” the church website reads. “Effective today, October 2, 2026, Scott Hughes is placed on administrative leave due to his recent arrest on serious charges. He is relieved of all duties until the investigation is complete.”
The statement says the church leaders are deeply concerned and committed to handling the situation with care, integrity, and respect for all individuals involved.
“During this difficult time, we encourage our church family to remain prayerful for those impacted and remain united in our commitment to Christ and to one another,” the statement reads.
Sunrise Children’s Services has also released a statement in light of the arrest.
According to the organization, Hughes was employed by Sunrise Children’s Services from May 2022 through June 2024, serving in the Adolescent Alcohol and Other Drug Entity (AODE) program in Bronston.
“The safety and well-being of the children and families entrusted to our care remain our highest priority,” the statement reads. “Sunrise Children’s Services maintains hiring procedures that include thorough reference and background checks for employees. Our commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment is fundamental to our mission and ministry.”
The organization said it is prepared to fully cooperate with law enforcement throughout the ongoing investigation.
“For more than 150 years, Sunrise Children’s Services has remained committed to serving, protecting, and supporting vulnerable children and families,” the statement reads. “That mission continues to guide our work and our unwavering commitment to those we serve. Our prayers are with everyone affected as we seek truth, justice, healing, and wisdom throughout this process.”
Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office.
The Lincoln County Daily News has submitted an open records request for more information and will provide an update as more information is made available.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
