FOLSOM (LA)
WVUE - Fox 8 [New Orleans LA]
July 10, 2026
By FOX 8 Staff
A youth pastor at First Baptist Church of Folsom was arrested Friday (July 10) after investigators said he sexually abused multiple children during the 1990s, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office said.
David Mercer, 72, was taken into custody Friday afternoon and is being held at the St. Tammany Parish jail.
Deputies also searched a residence owned by First Baptist Church of Folsom on Friday as part of the investigation.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.
Anyone who thinks they may have been a victim of Mercer, or who has information that could help investigators, is asked to call the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 898-2338 or contact their local law enforcement agency.