Kentucky youth pastors face charges for crimes involving minors

Two youth pastors in Kentucky are facing criminal charges following investigations into sexual misconduct involving minors.

Jason Coulter, a youth pastor at Green River Pentecostal Church and a funeral director in Lincoln County, was charged on August 17, 2026. Coulter contacted the Kentucky State Police to confess to crimes involving a 17-year-old member of his youth group. The charges include third-degree sodomy, possession of matter showing a sexual performance by a minor, promoting a sexual performance by a minor, and procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means. Coulter admitted to exchanging nude photographs via Snapchat and meeting the teenager in person on two occasions.

In a separate case, Jeremiah Swaw, 38, was arrested following allegations of inappropriate behavior with a 16-year-old girl. Swaw, a former Next Generation pastor at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Hopkinsville, was charged with grooming. This charge falls under a new Kentucky law that went into effect on July 1, 2026, which defines grooming as conduct intended to establish an emotional connection with a minor through manipulation or trust-building to facilitate sexual conduct. Hillcrest Baptist Church has terminated Swaw’s employment.