Former Hopkinsville youth pastor arrested under new Kentucky grooming law

A former Hopkinsville youth pastor was arrested earlier this week under the new Kentucky grooming law which recently was implemented.

WKDZ reported Thursday 38-year-old Jeremiah Swaw of Cadiz was taken into custody Monday night by Cadiz Police after an investigation determined he had inappropriate behavior with a 16-year-old female member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Hopkinsville.

Swaw was employed by Hillcrest Baptist Church as a Nest Generation pastor.  The church said Thursday it terminated his employment following his arrest.  The church also said Swaw was also prohibited from contacting the young people of the church or participating in church-sponsored activities.

Cadiz Police said the investigation is ongoing and more charges could be filed.

The new grooming law went into effect July 15th after being passed by the Kentucky General Assembly. 

It defines grooming a minor as engaging in a course of manipulative behavior or trust-building directed at someone under 18 with the intent to induce sexual conduct or build an intimate or secretive relationship.

story:  WKDZ