KY minister charged with sex offenses of minors once employed by child agency

Valarie Honeycutt Spears, Lexington Herald-Leader on Oct 5, 2026

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A Kentucky organization that helps vulnerable children acknowledged that a minister, who was charged recently with multiple sex offenses involving minors, had also worked for their group.

Sunrise Children’s Services serves children and families through therapeutic foster care, residential treatment, family services, independent living, and other community-based programs across Kentucky.

In a statement shared with the Herald-Leader Monday, officials said “Sunrise Children’s Services is aware of the recent arrest of former employee Scott Hughes in Pulaski County following an investigation into allegations involving minors.“

Hughes was employed by Sunrise Children’s Services from May 2022 through June 2024, serving in our Adolescent Alcohol and Other Drug Entity program in Bronston, Kentucky.

“Sunrise Children’s Services maintains hiring procedures that include thorough reference and background checks for employees,” the statement said. “Our commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment is fundamental to our mission and ministry.”

“While we do not have all the details surrounding this matter, we recognize the importance of allowing the legal process to proceed without speculation. Sunrise Children’s Services is prepared to cooperate fully with law enforcement and appropriate authorities throughout the investigation,” officials said. “Our prayers are with everyone affected as we seek truth, justice, healing, and wisdom throughout this process.”

Hughes, 54, of Somerset was arrested last week following an investigation into allegations against him. Crimes Against Children Detective Jay Picard received information concerning alleged sexual contact involving Hughes and individuals who were minors at the time of the alleged offenses, the sheriff’s office said. The allegations involve conduct occurring in Pulaski County beginning in 2018. Picard said Hughes was a pastor.

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