The pastor of Pawleys Island Community Church in South Carolina and his wife have resigned following intense scrutiny over allegations that a registered sex offender was allowed to work around children through the church’s youth programs.
The church announced Friday that Pastor Don Williams and his wife, Ginny Williams, had stepped down as part of a broader leadership restructuring prompted by the controversy.
The resignations came days after authorities arrested 70-year-old Warren Perry on allegations that he violated the conditions of his probation.
Church Announces Multiple Leadership Departures
In a statement shared with members, Pawleys Island Community Church confirmed several changes within its leadership.
Along with accepting the resignations of Don and Ginny Williams, the church also announced the departure of Niki Howard, director of Pawleys Island Christian Academy. Several church elders likewise chose to resign from their leadership positions.
In an email later obtained by local media, Williams said stepping aside would allow the congregation to begin healing, adding that many church employees had become caught up in the controversy despite having no involvement in the allegations.
Registered Sex Offender Accused of Violating Probation
Perry, who was convicted in 2023 of sexually exploiting a minor, was prohibited under the terms of his probation from having contact with children.
Investigators allege that despite those restrictions, he worked around young people through church programs and was able to access facilities used by children.
He was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of violating the conditions of his supervised release.
Investigation Began After Parent Raised Concerns
The investigation was launched after a parent contacted the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office on July 13, reporting concerns that Perry was working at the church’s school and daycare.
The academy serves approximately 300 students.
Authorities later contacted Perry’s probation officer, who reportedly said he had not been informed that the church where Perry volunteered also operated a school and daycare center.
On the same day, investigators received an additional complaint from an anonymous woman alleging Perry worked as a custodian with unrestricted access to children and frequently entered classrooms during school hours.
Church Says Restrictions Had Been Established
Addressing members during a community meeting, Williams said Perry had disclosed his criminal history to church leadership and that both the church and law enforcement were aware of his background.
According to the former pastor, restrictions had been established to prevent Perry from ever being alone with children.
Williams said he only became aware that Perry may have violated the terms of his probation after speaking directly with the probation officer during the investigation.
Parents Challenge Church’s Response
The meeting quickly became emotional as parents and community members questioned church leadership.
Attendees accused officials of failing to notify families that a registered sex offender had been volunteering on campus and alleged Perry had regularly interacted with children despite assurances that safeguards were in place.
Video from the gathering showed heated exchanges as concerned parents demanded answers about how the situation had been handled.
Lawsuit Seeks Millions in Damages
The controversy has now expanded into a legal dispute.
A proposed class-action lawsuit has been filed against the church, alleging that leaders failed to adequately protect children and did not properly inform families about Perry’s presence on church property.
The lawsuit seeks to represent families associated with both the church and Pawleys Island Christian Academy during the years Perry allegedly had access to the campus and is seeking more than $25 million in damages.
Investigation Continues
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Perry’s alleged probation violations and his role at the church.
Meanwhile, Pawleys Island Community Church faces the challenge of rebuilding trust within its congregation after the resignation of multiple leaders and growing legal scrutiny over its handling of the matter.
