Plaintiffs seek court order to preserve evidence in Pawleys Island church and academy lawsuit

Plaintiffs in a lawsuit involving Pawleys Island Community Church and the former Pawleys Island Christian Academy have requested a judge to preserve evidence, citing concerns that important materials could be lost after the academy closed. The request comes as the school no longer operates, raising fears that critical information may disappear before it can be examined.

The motion filed in court does not allege that evidence has already been destroyed. Instead, it highlights the risk of losing materials relevant to the case as the academy’s closure progresses. Plaintiffs argue that without judicial intervention, key evidence could be lost before formal discovery begins.

In the court filing, plaintiffs identify several categories of information they believe are crucial to the case. These include emails and texts, personnel and volunteer records, access and visitor logs, and surveillance footage. The filing also references recent photos showing items being moved from the property, though it does not claim the photos depict evidence destruction.

The academy closed on August 10, and three days later, plaintiffs’ attorneys received an email containing images of items being removed. While the filing acknowledges the activity could be part of a normal move, it emphasizes the potential risk of further loss. The attorneys warn that electronic devices might be wiped or repurposed, and surveillance video could be overwritten as part of routine system operations.

The defense has stated that its clients have been instructed to preserve evidence as required by law. However, plaintiffs are seeking additional measures, including a process that would allow their attorneys to help locate relevant evidence, protect surveillance recordings, and ensure compliance with preservation efforts.

The filing also requests that the court appoint plaintiffs’ attorneys as interim class counsel. This move is intended to provide a structured approach to managing the evidence and ensuring the rights of all parties are protected. The case continues as the court considers the request.

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