Federal Class Action Lawsuit Expands Against Pawleys Island Church and Academy Over Sex Offender Access to Children

Parents of a child who attended Pawleys Island Christian Academy filed a federal class action lawsuit on August 4, 2026, against the academy, Pawleys Island Community Church, former church and school leaders, and registered sex offender Warren Perry. The lawsuit seeks to represent potentially hundreds of children and parents affected by Perry’s access to the campus during his employment or volunteer work.

The 25-page complaint, filed in U.S. district court in South Carolina, alleges that church and academy leaders knowingly allowed Perry to hold positions that gave him “recurring daily access” to young children, despite his status as a convicted and registered sex offender. The plaintiffs, identified as John Doe and Jane Doe, filed the lawsuit individually and on behalf of their child, ABC, as well as two proposed classes.

The proposed “Child Class” includes minors who attended the academy while Perry was authorized to work, volunteer, or remain on campus during school hours or academy-sponsored activities. The “Parent Class” includes individuals who paid tuition or mandatory enrollment fees for children during the same period. The complaint estimates the classes could encompass hundreds of people.

The lawsuit excludes individualized claims of sexual abuse, physical injury, or psychological harm, which would remain available for separate legal action. Instead, it focuses on common issues: what church and academy leaders knew about Perry, whether they misrepresented campus safety, and whether families paid tuition to an institution that failed to disclose a known risk.

The plaintiffs allege their child was exposed to Perry in an environment they were told was safe. The complaint notes that due to the child’s young age, the full extent of what the child “saw, experienced, or may have been exposed to” remains uncertain.

The case comes amid an ongoing criminal investigation that has already led to five arrests, including the recent arrest of a church official responsible for campus security and student safety. The investigation continues to unfold, with authorities examining the extent of Perry’s access and the institutional failures that allowed it.

The lawsuit raises important questions about accountability, transparency, and the protection of minors in religious and educational institutions. As the case moves forward, it underscores the need for clear policies and oversight to ensure the safety of all children.

Micah 6:8 calls for justice, mercy, and humility, reminding us that care for the vulnerable is a moral imperative. This case highlights the importance of vigilance and integrity in institutions entrusted with the well-being of children.

Source: Read the original report