Former Youth Pastor David Mercer Arrested on 90 Child Molestation Charges
A former Louisiana youth pastor is facing 90 felony child molestation charges after investigators alleged he sexually abused multiple children while serving in church ministry during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
According to the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, David Mercer, 72, was arrested following an investigation into allegations involving four known victims. Investigators allege the abuse occurred between 1989 and 1995 while Mercer served as youth pastor at Cypress Baptist Church in Benton, Louisiana. Mercer has been charged with 90 counts of forcible fondling and molestation of juveniles.
Authorities arrested Mercer in Folsom, Louisiana, where he had been serving as youth pastor at First Baptist Church of Folsom. Detectives also executed a search warrant at a residence owned by the church. Law enforcement has stated they believe additional victims may exist and has encouraged anyone with information to come forward.
The criminal charges are allegations, and Mercer is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Takeaways
- David Mercer, a former Louisiana youth pastor, has been charged with 90 counts of forcible fondling and molestation of juveniles.
- Investigators allege the abuse occurred between 1989 and 1995 while Mercer served as youth pastor at Cypress Baptist Church in Benton, Louisiana.
- Authorities report that four known victims have come forward, but investigators believe additional survivors may not yet have reported their experiences.
- Churches and religious organizations may face civil liability if they negligently hired, retained, supervised, or failed to act on warning signs involving clergy or youth ministers.
- Civil lawsuits can provide survivors with compensation while also uncovering institutional failures that may have allowed abuse to continue.
What Are the Allegations Against David Mercer?
According to investigators, Mercer allegedly sexually abused multiple children while serving as youth pastor at Cypress Baptist Church in Benton, Louisiana.
The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office began investigating the allegations in late June 2026 after four individuals came forward. Detectives subsequently obtained warrants charging Mercer with 90 felony counts involving allegations of forcible fondling and molestation of juveniles.
Authorities have not publicly identified the alleged victims, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Investigators Believe Additional Survivors May Exist
Law enforcement officials have publicly stated that they believe other survivors may not yet have come forward.
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office has encouraged anyone who believes they were abused by Mercer or who has information relevant to the investigation to contact investigators.
It is not uncommon for additional survivors to come forward after a public arrest in clergy sexual abuse investigations, particularly when allegations involve abuse that allegedly occurred decades earlier.
Childhood Sexual Abuse by Clergy Often Goes Unreported for Years
Many survivors of clergy sexual abuse do not disclose what happened until adulthood.
Trauma experts recognize that delayed disclosure is a common response to childhood sexual abuse. Survivors may remain silent because of:
- Fear they will not be believed.
- Shame or self-blame.
- Manipulation by a trusted religious leader.
- Loyalty to their church or faith community.
- Fear of disappointing family members.
- Lasting psychological effects of childhood trauma.
Delayed reporting should not be viewed as unusual. Rather, it reflects the complex and lasting impact that childhood sexual abuse can have on survivors.
Churches Have a Duty to Protect Children
Parents entrust churches and youth ministries with the care of their children.
Youth pastors often serve as mentors, teachers, counselors, and spiritual leaders. That position of authority creates a significant power imbalance between adult leaders and the children they supervise.
When allegations arise, civil litigation may examine whether a church or religious organization:
- Conducted appropriate background checks.
- Properly supervised youth ministry staff.
- Responded appropriately to complaints.
- Followed mandatory reporting obligations.
- Failed to remove an individual despite warning signs.
- Implemented adequate child protection policies.
Whether a church bears legal responsibility depends on the evidence developed during a civil investigation.
Criminal Cases and Civil Lawsuits Serve Different Purposes
The criminal prosecution against David Mercer seeks to determine whether the State can prove the alleged offenses beyond a reasonable doubt.
Civil lawsuits have different objectives.
A civil claim may allow survivors to:
- Seek financial compensation.
- Obtain access to internal church documents.
- Discover whether prior complaints existed.
- Hold institutions accountable for negligent supervision or retention.
- Encourage stronger child protection policies that may help prevent future abuse.
In many clergy abuse cases, civil litigation has uncovered information that was never revealed during criminal investigations.
Louisiana Survivors May Have Important Legal Rights
Louisiana has significantly changed its laws governing civil claims arising from childhood sexual abuse.
Because these laws have evolved in recent years, survivors should not assume they are barred from bringing a claim simply because the abuse occurred decades ago.
A Louisiana sexual abuse attorney experienced in clergy sexual abuse litigation can evaluate whether claims may exist against both the alleged perpetrator and any institution that may have failed to protect children.
Speaking With a Sexual Abuse Lawyer About Your Rights
If you were abused by David Mercer, or by another clergy member, youth pastor, or church employee, you may have important legal rights.
The attorneys at Andreozzi + Foote represent survivors of clergy sexual abuse nationwide and provide confidential, trauma-informed consultations.
Our Louisiana sexual abuse attorneys can evaluate whether civil claims may exist against both the alleged perpetrator and any religious institution whose negligence may have contributed to the abuse.
Call: (866) 858-3790
Email: info@vca.law
There is no obligation to pursue litigation simply because you seek information about your legal rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is David Mercer?
David Mercer is a 72-year-old former youth pastor who most recently served at First Baptist Church of Folsom, Louisiana. He has been charged with 90 felony counts alleging the forcible fondling and molestation of juveniles in connection with allegations dating from 1989 to 1995 while serving at Cypress Baptist Church in Benton, Louisiana.
How many criminal charges does David Mercer face?
According to the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, Mercer has been charged with 90 counts involving allegations of forcible fondling and molestation of juveniles.
Do investigators believe there are additional victims?
Yes. Law enforcement has publicly stated that investigators believe additional survivors may exist and has encouraged anyone with information to contact authorities.
Did the alleged abuse occur at First Baptist Church of Folsom?
Based on current public reporting, the filed criminal charges relate to allegations that Mercer abused children while serving at Cypress Baptist Church in Benton, Louisiana, between 1989 and 1995. Mercer was serving at First Baptist Church of Folsom when he was arrested.
Can a church be held responsible if a youth pastor sexually abuses children?
Potentially. A church or religious organization may face civil liability if evidence shows it negligently hired, retained, supervised, or failed to respond appropriately to warning signs involving clergy or youth ministry staff.
Why do many survivors wait decades before reporting childhood sexual abuse?
Trauma, fear, shame, manipulation by trusted authority figures, and concern about not being believed all contribute to delayed disclosure. Research consistently shows that many survivors of childhood sexual abuse do not report the abuse until years or even decades later.
Photos courtsey of Cypress Baptist Church and KTAL Now
