SOMERSET (KY)
WYMT-TV, CBS-57 [Hazard KY]
October 2, 2026
By Steve Hensley
SOMERSET, Ky. (WYMT) – A Southern Kentucky pastor was arrested on sex-related charges.
Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones announced the arrest of Scott C. Hughes, 54, of Somerset, following an investigation into allegations of sexual offenses involving minors.
Investigation details
The investigation is being conducted by the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division.
Crimes Against Children Detective Jay Picard received information concerning alleged sexual contact involving Hughes and people who were minors at the time of the alleged offenses. The allegations involve conduct occurring in Pulaski County beginning in 2018.
Arrest and charges
Hughes was arrested at his home Thursday night without incident.
He has been charged with Sodomy in the Second Degree, Sodomy in the Third Degree, Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, and other offenses.
Hughes was taken to the Pulaski County Detention Center and has a $75,000 bond.
Hughes was the pastor of Pleasant View Baptist Church in Waynesburg, which is in Lincoln County. The church posted this statement on its website:
“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. We are deeply concerned and committed to handling this 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.”
According to a Facebook post, Hughes is the former pastor of a church in Pulaski County.