Georgetown County, SC — Sheriff Carter Weaver announced the arrest of former Pastor Don Williams, his wife Ginny Williams, and convicted sex offender Warren Perry following an investigation into Pawleys Island Community Church.
The case began just one week ago after a concerned parent called the Sheriff’s Office, alleging the church had allowed a registered sex offender to be in close contact with children at its school.
How the Investigation Started
Once the tip came in, the Sheriff’s Office contacted South Carolina Probation, Pardon and Parole, which determined that Perry violated his probation terms.
At the same time, deputies opened their own investigation into how a sex offender had reportedly been permitted to volunteer seven days a week at a church that operates both a day care and a school.
Investigators say the findings led to multiple charges. Don Williams faces charges of obstruction, unlawfully placing a child at risk or causing a child harm, and criminal conspiracy. Ginny Williams, who held an administrative role at the church, was charged with criminal conspiracy and obstruction. Perry, who was already a convicted sex offender, was also charged with criminal conspiracy and obstruction.
Arrests and What Comes Next
Perry was taken into custody earlier in the day and is being held at the Georgetown County Detention Center, awaiting a bond hearing. Don and Ginny Williams were arrested in Summerville and are currently being extradited back to Georgetown County to face their charges.
No bond hearing date has been set yet for the couple, though officials say updates will be shared once that information becomes available.
The Sheriff’s Office also confirmed that warrants have been signed for a fourth person, Jennifer Nicole “Nikki” Howard, who was expected to be arrested shortly after the announcement. Authorities have not released further details about her connection to the case.
The investigation remains active, and the Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with additional information to call 843 546 5102.
The case has drawn strong reactions online. One commenter, Penny Fenny, wrote that there is no excuse for placing children at risk and that if a church knowingly allowed a registered sex offender near kids, it reflects a serious failure of leadership that must be fully investigated.
Another commenter, Michele Knox, questioned whether the Sheriff’s Office could have been unaware of the situation for so long, pointing out that officers are assigned to monitor sex offenders and that the probation office works closely with local law enforcement.
A third commenter, Laurie Sue, asked whether Don and Ginny Williams had fled to Summerville after the allegations surfaced or whether they were already living there before the investigation began.
No further details have been released at this time.
