Former youth pastor arrested in Cadiz under new Kentucky grooming law

A former Hopkinsville youth pastor was arrested this week under the recently implemented Kentucky grooming law.

WKDZ reported Thursday that 38-year-old Jeremiah Swaw of Cadiz was taken into custody Monday night by Cadiz Police after an investigation determined he had inappropriate behavior with a 16-year-old female member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Hopkinsville.

Swaw was employed by Hillcrest as a Nest Generation pastor.  The church said Thursday it terminated his employment following his arrest.  The church also said Swaw was also prohibited from contacting the young people of the church or participating in church-sponsored activities.

Cadiz Police said more charges could be filed.

The new grooming law went into effect July 15th after being passed by the Kentucky General Assembly. 

It defines grooming a minor as engaging in a course of manipulative behavior or trust-building directed at someone under 18 with the intent to induce sexual conduct or build an intimate or secretive relationship.


story:  WKDZ