New lawsuit alleges state probation agency failed to monitor convicted sex offender at Pawleys Island Christian Academy

The South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services (SCDPPPS) faces a new lawsuit alleging it failed to monitor a convicted sex offender who worked at a Christian academy in the Pawleys Island area. The case, filed by the parents of a child who attended Pawleys Island Christian Academy, centers on the agency’s oversight of Warren Perry, a man on probation with conditions restricting contact with minors. Perry, who served as a custodian at the academy for years, was arrested in July after being found to have provided false information to his probation agent.

This lawsuit is the fifth to involve Perry’s association with the church and school, and it names several key figures, including the church itself, former senior pastor Don Williams, his wife Ginny Williams, former academy director Niki Howard, and unnamed elders. The previous lawsuits have raised concerns about Perry’s access to children and the academy’s compliance with safety protocols. One of those cases alleged that Perry sexually abused a child at the academy in 2022.

The current lawsuit claims that SCDPPPS approved Perry’s volunteer role at the church based on character references from Don Williams. However, Perry never disclosed to his probation agent that the church also operated a school and childcare facility. According to the lawsuit, Perry was present at the school seven days a week and functioned more as an employee than a volunteer. The academy even advertised an auction in which a child could win a day working alongside custodians, one of whom was Perry.

State records reveal the academy was found noncompliant with background check requirements in February 2024, March 2024, and March 2026, as reviewed by the South Carolina Division of Early Care and Education. Perry was explicitly instructed during regular supervision meetings not to have direct contact with minors. He told his agent he had no contact with minors and had not entered restricted areas. However, after a parent complaint, SCDPPPS investigated and arrested Perry for providing false reports to his agent.

The Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office later arrested Perry, along with Don and Ginny Williams and Howard, on charges including obstruction of justice and conspiracy to unlawfully place a child at risk. A judge has set mandatory court appearances for all four defendants on Sept. 24 and Oct. 22. The case highlights ongoing concerns about accountability and safety in institutions serving minors, particularly those with a religious affiliation. Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, a call that resonates in the pursuit of justice and protection for vulnerable individuals.

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