Former Hopkinsville pastor charged with grooming a minor

CADIZ, Ky. – A former Hopkinsville pastor is charged with grooming a minor.

According to a uniform citation, on Aug. 17, the Cadiz Police Department received a report regarding multiple incidents of inappropriate physical contact involving an adult male and a minor.

Authorities say they were told that during prior incidents, 38-year-old Jeremiah Swaw of Cadiz allegedly made inappropriate physical contact with a minor victim.

According to the citation, Swaw arrived at the police department and admitted to inappropriate physical contact with the minor victim on several occasions but denied the majority of sexual contact allegations.

Authorities confirmed in the citation that Swaw was an “adult religious leader.”

Swaw was arrested and charged with grooming a minor.

Hillcrest Baptist Church in Hopkinsville has released the following statement:

“On the afternoon of August 17, 2026, church leadership was made aware that Jeremiah Swaw, who has been our Next Generation Pastor, had turned himself in to authorities for an alleged illegal and immoral act with a minor. Jeremiah has been terminated effective immediately. He is prohibited from having any contact with the young people in our church and from participating in church-sponsored activities. We are deeply saddened and troubled by this news, and we ask that you join us in prayerfully awaiting more information on this matter as it proceeds through the justice system. Per our understanding, the alleged offense did not occur on church property. Hillcrest has always taken the physical, spiritual and emotional safety of those in our care, especially our young people, with the utmost concern. That continues to remain of primary importance. We ask that you join with us in prayer as we strive for God’s guidance as we seek truth, accountability and discernment.”