FOLSOM, La. – David Mercer, youth pastor with First Baptist Church of Folsom, La., has been arrested on charges of sexual abuse of multiple children that allegedly took place in the 1990s.
According to a news release from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Mercer, 72, was taken into custody July 10 and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center. Officers with the St. Tammany Special Victim’s Unit assisted with the search of a residence owned by the church in Folsom.
The case is ongoing, and officials believe there may be additional victims.
Anyone who was a victim of Mercer, or has information that could assist in the case, is encouraged to contact the STPSO via 985.898.2338, or to reach out to their local law enforcement agency.
Julian Whittington, sheriff of Bossier Parish, where the crimes allegedly took place, said, “Although nearly 40 years have passed, the passage of time does not lessen the seriousness of these crimes or the impact they have had on those affected. I want to encourage anyone who may have been a victim or witnessed these actions to come forward and contact the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office. We are committed to thoroughly investigating these allegations and seeking justice for those who may have been impacted.”
FBC Folsom released the following statement on Facebook:
“We care about kids, youth, adults, and families. Our hearts are broken by those affected by this situation. While we have background checks and child safety training for all our workers, we are currently reviewing our hiring and child protection policies. You may contact our church office if you would like us to connect you to a licensed professional counselor. This has come as a total surprise to myself as pastor and to our church family.
“Here are the facts we know of. David Mercer was taken into custody on Friday July 10, 2026 for multiple criminal charges in Bossier Parish, Louisiana during his time as youth pastor at a church in Bossier Parish. These charges stem from his time at a church in the 1990’s.
“Mr. Mercer’s dates of employment at FBC of Folsom are 2023-2026. So far as we know, no charges have been made against him in St. Tammany Parish. Please contact the Criminal Investigations Division of St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office at 985-726-7854 if anyone has allegations against David Mercer.
“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us.’ -Psalm 67:1.”
Mercer’s bond was set at $2.5 million.
This article originally appeared in the Baptist Message.
If you are/have been a victim of sexual abuse or suspect sexual abuse by a pastor, staff member or member of a Southern Baptist church or entity, please reach out for help at sbcabuseprevention.com/helpline or call 833-611-HELP.
