By Abigail Roberts
The case involving a Lincoln County pastor continues to expand as law enforcement in Pulaski County has gathered more information and an additional alleged victim has come forward.
Scott C. Hughes, 54, of Somerset, has been placed on administrative leave by the Pleasant View Baptist Church in Waynesburg as of Oct. 2. That is the day that the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office announced his arrest following an investigation into allegations of sexual offenses involving minors.
He was charged Oct. 2 with Sodomy (second degree), sodomy (third degree), sexual abuse (first degree) and other offenses. Hughes is currently being held in Pulaski County Detention Center on a $75,000 bond.
On Oct. 6, Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones announced that the investigation had expanded following the identification of an additional alleged victim who came forward with information concerning alleged sexual offenses.
“The individual, who is now an adult, reported alleged conduct involving Hughes that occurred during 2012 and 2013. The reported conduct occurred outside of Pulaski County and is being referred to the appropriate law-enforcement agency for investigation and jurisdictional review,” Jones said on Facebook.
Crimes Against Children Detective Jay Picard is continuing the investigation.
Today, Jones announced that Hughes has been served with another arrest warrant for new charges.
“On October 7, investigators conducted an additional interview with an adult male who reported that he was allegedly sexually abused by Hughes beginning when he was approximately 10 years old,” Jones said. “The individual reported that the alleged conduct continued for several years, including offenses in Pulaski County.”
Based on the allegations made Oct. 7, Hughes is now facing additional charges of sodomy (first-degree); sodomy (second-degree, position of authority); sexual abuse (first-degree) human trafficking (commercial sexual activity, victim under 18); and incest of person under 18 by a person three or more years older.
“Anyone who believes they may have information concerning Scott C. Hughes or additional allegations of sexual abuse is encouraged to contact the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office,” the post reads.
Several churches in the Central Kentucky area have issued statements regarding Hughes’ arrest as he has been a pastor in many of them throughout the years.
Hughes was also previously employed by Sunrise Children’s Services, prompting a statement from 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, Kentucky.
“The safety and well-being of the children and families entrusted to our care remain our highest priority. 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 in a statement. “While we do not have all the details surrounding this matter, we recognize the importance of allowing the legal process to proceed without speculation. Sunrise Children’s Services is prepared to cooperate fully with law enforcement and appropriate authorities throughout the investigation.”
Pleasant View Baptist Church in Waynesburg issued a statement on Oct. 2 when the original charges were announced.
“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.
Hughes’ son, Noah Hughes, has made a public statement on Facebook in light of the investigation.
“We are not covering up darkness. We are not excusing sin. And we are not going to protect someone from the consequences of their actions just because they are family. We are never bailing him out. There should be no bond. Period,” Hughes said on Facebook. “So if my dad ever sexually abused you, touched you inappropriately, exposed you to something sexual, pressured you, manipulated you, or crossed a sexual boundary with you in any way, PLEASE tell someone.”
Hughes encouraged anyone who may have been victimized by his father to come forward.
“And please don’t stay quiet because you are afraid of what it might do to our family,” he said. “If there are more victims, then they deserve to be heard too.”
Hughes said his father’s failure is not Jesus’ failure.
“Everything I knew to be true about God before any of this happened is still true right now,” Hughes said. “God is good. God is faithful. God is holy. God is just. God is merciful. Jesus is the beginning and the end. He is the Great I AM. None of that changed when our world changed. What happened changed the way I see my dad. It did not change who God is.”
