Former Pastor and Church Leaders Charged in Connection with Convicted Sex Offender’s Contact with Children

The Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office has intensified its investigation into the Pawleys Island Community Church, following allegations that a convicted sex offender had contact with children at a local school. The probe began after a tip indicated that Warren Perry, a man with a history of sexual offenses, was working near minors at Pawleys Island Christian Academy, which is affiliated with the church. On July 20, Perry was re-arrested alongside the church’s former pastor, Don Williams, his wife Ginny Williams, and the school’s former director, Niki Howard. The arrests mark a significant development in a case that has raised concerns about accountability within religious leadership.
Perry, who was previously convicted in 2023 for third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor—a charge in South Carolina equivalent to possession of child sexual abuse material—was on probation at the time of his re-arrest. Online records reveal that Perry has lived at 28 different addresses, including locations in Nevada, Florida, and California. While criminal charges were not filed against him in Nevada or Florida, records from Los Angeles County are still pending. Perry’s voter registration in South Carolina, established in 2017, contrasts with his 2016 registration in Florida, highlighting the complexity of his legal history. His professional background includes roles as a portfolio or account manager for software and appliance companies, as well as a compliance consultant.
Social media profiles under the name “WarrenandSue” suggest Perry may have had a military affiliation, though no official confirmation has been provided. The church’s former pastor, Don Williams, was the Senior Pastor at Pawleys Island Community Church when the alleged probation violation occurred. Alongside his wife, Ginny Williams, who served as the Guest Services Director, Williams and his wife stepped down from their positions on July 17. At a community meeting, Williams acknowledged that church leaders were aware of Perry’s conviction but maintained that the church believed Perry was adhering to his probation conditions. This statement has sparked debate about the transparency and oversight within the church’s leadership.
Online records show that Williams has lived in multiple states, including Berkeley, Charleston, Kentucky, and Indiana, where he worked for Martus Ministry Inc. While no specific criminal charges are listed for Williams, public records indicate a “not specified” charge in Brunswick, North Carolina, filed in 2015 and later dismissed. North Carolina records do not confirm a charge matching these details, leaving some questions about the nature of Williams’ past legal involvement. The records also reveal that Williams and Ginny Williams signed documents appointing them as agents to Perry’s powers of attorney in 2026, a legal arrangement that has drawn scrutiny.
The Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office has not yet disclosed the full scope of its investigation into the legal connections between Perry and the church leadership. A spokesperson for the office, Heather Pelham, stated that “Everything is on the table,” emphasizing the agency’s commitment to examining all aspects of the case. This approach underscores the gravity of the situation, as the community grapples with the implications of alleged misconduct by individuals in positions of trust. The case raises important questions about the responsibilities of religious leaders to safeguard vulnerable individuals and the need for rigorous accountability in institutions that serve the public.
The situation calls for a careful balance between justice and mercy, reflecting the biblical call to “do justice, and love kindness, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). As the investigation unfolds, the community is urged to seek truth while maintaining compassion for those affected. The pursuit of accountability must be guided by a commitment to protecting the vulnerable and upholding the integrity of institutions that hold significant influence over the lives of others.

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