A Southern Baptist pastor in Kentucky has been arrested on multiple child sex abuse charges, and his church has placed him on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Scott Hughes, 54, pastor of Pleasant View Baptist Church in Waynesburg, Kentucky, was taken into custody on October 2, according to reporting by ChurchLeaders citing local media. The church is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.

Hughes faces charges including first-degree sodomy, second-degree sodomy, first-degree sexual abuse, human trafficking of a victim under 18, and incest of a person under 18 by a person at least three years older. It is important to note that these are charges at this stage; no plea or conviction has been reported.

ChurchLeaders reports that the arrest followed an adult male coming forward with allegations that Hughes began sexually abusing him when the alleged victim was 10 years old and that the abuse continued for several years. Since the initial arrest, a second person has reportedly come forward alleging sexual abuse that he says occurred sometime between 2012 and 2013.

Pleasant View Baptist Church responded quickly. In a statement posted to its website, church leaders said that effective October 2, Hughes was placed on administrative leave due to his recent arrest on serious charges. "He is relieved of all duties until the investigation is complete," the statement continued. "We are deeply concerned and committed to handling this situation with care, integrity, and respect for all individuals involved."

The church also asked its congregation to remain prayerful for those impacted and united in their commitment to Christ and to one another during what it called a difficult time.

In addition to his pastorate, Hughes previously worked at Sunrise Children's Services, a faith-based organization that serves children and families. According to the report, he served in the organization's Adolescent Alcohol and Other Drug Entity program.

As with every case of this kind, the allegations remain just that until the legal process runs its course. But churches everywhere are being reminded once again that no ministry role, no reputation, and no history of service places anyone above accountability — and that the safety of children in the church must be guarded with vigilance, transparency, and prayer.