(KY)
KFVS [Cape Girardeau, MO]
October 2, 2026
By Amber Ruch
A western Kentucky man is accused of grooming a 15-year-old girl while he was a church youth pastor and leader.
Jared Denney, 37, of McCracken County, was arrested for felony grooming, felony procuring or promoting the use of minor by electronic means and misdemeanor distribution of obscene matter to minors – first offense.
According to the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office, detectives have been investigating the allegations starting at the end of August and through Friday, October 2.
They say a man, identified as Denney, allegedly sent sexually explicit messages to the juvenile.
Detectives say Denney is a youth pastor and leader at a church in McCracken County.
Denney was arrested on Friday and taken to the McCracken County Regional Jail.