Key Takeaways

Richard Scott Felton, 57, a former youth pastor and teacher in Kingman, Arizona, was arrested on October 20, 2026, on an allegation of sexual conduct with a minor.
Felton previously held leadership positions at Kingman First Southern Baptist Church and College Park Southern Baptist Church, now known as College Park Community Church.
His background also includes teaching, coaching, and volunteering with youth sports.
Survivors of child sexual abuse may have grounds to pursue civil claims against schools, churches, or other institutions whose negligence contributed to abuse.

Former Kingman Youth Pastor Richard Felton Arrested

According to reporting by The Bee, “On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the Kingman Police Department arrested 57-year-old Richard Scott Felton on a felony charge of Sexual Conduct with a Minor.”

According to The Standard Newspaper Online, “‘The parents of an 8-year-old (female) made a report at the Kingman Police Department concerning sexual conduct with minor that had occurred in the 3100 block of East Hualapai Mountain Road,’ said deputy police chief Joel Freed. ‘Detectives from the Kingman Police Department continued the investigation, learning that the sex acts occurred several times at the same location, one to two years ago.’”

According to The Standard, Felton is a former youth pastor and administrator at Kingman First Southern Baptist Church. The newspaper reported that the alleged victim was a young member of the congregation.

“On October 20, 2026, detectives located Felton at a business in the 4200 block of Industrial Boulevard and took him into custody. Felton has been booked into the Mohave County Adult Detention Facility on the listed charge.” (The Bee)

Southern Baptist Convention’s History of Sexual Abuse Allegations

As of October 28, 2026, no public statement from Kingman First Southern Baptist Church regarding Felton’s arrest was located.

Kingman First Southern Baptist Church is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), the largest Protestant denomination in the United States.

The SBC has faced years of scrutiny over sexual abuse allegations involving pastors, church employees, and volunteers, including documented failures by denominational leaders to adequately address reports of abuse.

The independent database Protestant Accountability currently lists 744 entries associated with the SBC, including individuals accused of sexual misconduct or abuse or mishandling abuse allegations.

Past investigations have documented instances in which survivors’ reports were dismissed or mishandled, accused individuals remained in ministry, and denominational leaders prioritized avoiding legal liability over addressing abuse.

While these findings do not necessarily establish wrongdoing by Kingman First Southern Baptist Church, they underscore the importance of examining how religious institutions respond to allegations of sexual abuse and protect children from potential harm.

Details on Richard Felton’s Background

Richard Scott Felton’s professional history includes numerous positions involving children, including roles in education, athletics, and youth ministry.

Richard Felton’s Positions at Kingman First Southern Baptist Church

According to Felton’s own LinkedIn profile, he “recently left the position of Administrator at Kingman First Southern Baptist Church, where [he] served for 8 years.“

Felton previously held several leadership positions at Kingman First Southern Baptist Church.

According to his LinkedIn, Felton served as the church’s youth and worship pastor from March 2016 through May 2021. He subsequently worked as an administrative pastor from May 2021 through October 2024.

An archived version of the church’s website identified Felton as a “Pastor/Church Administrator/Elder/Trustee” and “Administrative Pastor.”

His involvement with the church is further documented through archived sermon recordings dating back to 2016. Felton also appeared in photographs published on the church’s Facebook page and in sermons published on its YouTube channel.

Outside his church leadership roles, Felton was identified as a newly introduced board member of the Kingman Area Chamber of Commerce in an article published by The Standard. The article also described him as president of Kingman First Southern Baptist Church.

“June 6, 2021 Looking Forward – Pastor Richard Felton,” via Kingman First SBC, YouTube.

Felton Previously Served as Youth Pastor at College Park Southern Baptist Church

According to his LinkedIn profile, Felton served as a youth pastor at College Park Southern Baptist Church, now known as College Park Community Church, from approximately 2005 to 2013.

He described his position in his profile, in part,

“A youth pastor serves as a guide to assist youth to develop their own personal walk with God. A youth pastor is responsible for being a positive role model, a good listener, a beneficial mentor and an active person in the lives of youth.

As a youth pastor I am responsible for overseeing all youth-related programs in the church. My duties involve arranging youth mission trips, coordinating local projects, and helping to implement local after-school program. I also implement Bible studies, workshops or seminars that are age-appropriate for our youth. I also oversee a group of volunteers that provide assistance regarding projects, field trips or biblical programs.

One of my major functions is to reach out to children and teens in the community who may be non-Christians. From time to time we set up fun events that will entice community members to attend, such as a fall festival. Outreach may also include partnering with youth groups from other local churches and hosting a children’s event in the community.”

Felton’s Teaching and Coaching History

According to his LinkedIn profile, Felton worked for Joseph City Jr/High School from 2002 to 2005 as a PE teacher and coach.

He also reported working as a teacher at Kingman Unified School District from 2004 to 2010. His teaching background is further documented through an archived Kingman Unified School District website.

On his LinkedIn, Felton reports holding an Arizona Teaching Certificate issued in January 2009 and expiring in September 2012. These dates are self-reported.

A search on the Arizona Department of Education Website of “Richard Felton” reveals an Educator ID: 3331026, with no position data, certificates, or disciplinary history available.

Felton’s LinkedIn profile also identifies several volunteer roles:

Little League Baseball: Manager, coach, and umpire (2000–2016)
Mohawk High School: Volunteer assistant basketball coach (1998–1999)
Babe Ruth Baseball: Volunteer coach (1990–1995)
Youth Travel Soccer: Head coach (2018–present), including the Kingman U15 soccer team.

Other positions include Head Coach for the Kingman Bulldogs varsity baseball during the 2006–2007 and 2007–2008 seasons, according to MaxPreps.

Individuals who sexually abuse children may deliberately seek positions of trust and authority in schools, churches, and youth organizations, where they can gain access to children and exploit those relationships. This makes Felton’s extensive history of working with children particularly concerning in light of the allegations against him.

Could Schools or Churches Face Civil Liability for Sexual Abuse?

Felton’s arrest and extensive history working with children raise questions about potential institutional responsibility.

Schools, churches, and youth organizations have legal obligations to supervise employees and volunteers, respond to warning signs or reports of inappropriate conduct, and comply with child abuse reporting requirements.

Depending on the circumstances, institutions such as churches or schools may face civil liability when negligent hiring, supervision, retention, or failure to address known risks contributes to sexual abuse.

A civil investigation may examine whether an organization failed to protect children from foreseeable harm, including:

Prior complaints: Whether concerns about Felton’s conduct were previously reported by students, parents, or others.
Response to allegations: Whether any complaints were properly investigated and addressed.
Hiring and supervision: Whether appropriate background checks, supervision, and child protection policies were in place.

Whether any institution could bear civil legal responsibility depends on the specific facts, including what an organization knew or reasonably should have known and how it responded.

A review of public court records identified an earlier criminal case involving Richard Scott Felton in Mohave County Superior Court, filed on June 29, 2012 (Case No. S-8015-CR-201200839). However, the available docket information does not establish what the case involved.

Were You or Someone You Know Harmed by Richard Felton?

Survivors of child sexual abuse may have civil legal rights separate from criminal proceedings, including potential claims against schools, churches, or other institutions who may have been negligent.

Andreozzi + Foote represents survivors of child sexual abuse in Arizona and nationwide, investigating potential claims involving schools, religious organizations, youth programs, and other institutions entrusted with children’s safety.

If you or your child were sexually assaulted by Richard Scott Felton in Kingman, Arizona, or have information regarding this case, please contact us today.

Our trauma-informed attorneys are available to listen and help you understand your legal rights and options.

All consultations are free and confidential.

📞 (866) 311-8640
📧 info@vca.law