4 arrested after sex offender caught working near children at South Carolina church and school
PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. —
Four people have been arrested in the investigation into how a registered sex offender was allowed to work in close proximity to children at a South Carolina church and school.
At a Monday press conference, Georgetown County Sheriff Carter Weaver said the case began after a concerned citizen spotted Warren Perry on the sex offender registry and reported that he was around children at Pawleys Island Community Church and Pawleys Island Christian Academy on Ocean Highway in the Pawleys Island area.
Weaver said the case is about more than criminal charges.
“The protection of children is more than just enforcing the law,” he said. “It is preserving the future of this community.”
According to the sheriff, church leaders initially told investigators on Sunday, July 12, that Perry volunteered at the church seven days a week but was not allowed around children. But investigators later found that claim was not true.
The sheriff’s office contacted South Carolina Probation, Pardon and Parole the next business day. Perry, who was already under supervision, was found to be in violation of his probation and was arrested.
Weaver said Perry had originally been charged by the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office in August 2020 with two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. In November 2023, he was convicted on one count, while the second was dismissed. He was sentenced to 10 years, suspended to five years of probation, and ordered not to have contact with minors.
Investigators now say Perry appeared to have been working in a maintenance or custodial role at the church and school dating back to shortly after his 2020 arrest.
Former church and school leaders charged
Weaver said the investigation has led authorities to conclude that Perry, former Pastor Don Williams, his wife Ginny Williams and former school director Jennifer “Niki” Howard knowingly put children at risk.
The charges announced Monday include:
- Don Williams — obstruction of justice, criminal conspiracy, and unlawfully placing a child at risk or causing harm
- Ginny Williams — obstruction of justice and criminal conspiracy
- Jennifer “Niki” Howard — obstruction of justice, criminal conspiracy, and unlawfully placing a child at risk or causing harm
- Warren Perry — obstruction of justice and criminal conspiracy
Later Monday night, the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office said Howard turned herself in at the Georgetown County Detention Center, making her the fourth person arrested in the case.
Authorities said Don and Ginny Williams were arrested earlier Monday in Summerville and extradited back to Georgetown County. Perry was arrested in Georgetown.
More charges could follow
The investigation is still active, and Weaver made clear that more charges could be coming.
Investigators are reviewing statements from teachers, parents, church members and church officials, along with records and digital evidence collected through search warrants served over the past several days.
Authorities are also working to determine whether children need forensic interviews through a child advocacy center.
When asked whether additional charges are possible, Weaver did not hesitate.
“Absolutely,” he said.
He also confirmed investigators are looking into an allegation raised publicly last week by a woman who said her child had been molested.
Solicitor says case is far from over
Fifteenth Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson said the sheriff’s office, probation officials and the community all played a role in bringing the case forward. He praised investigators for working through the week and over the weekend.
Still, Richardson stressed that the legal process is only beginning.
“An arrest warrant is just that. It is based on probable cause,” Richardson said. “As it stands today, they’re innocent until proven guilty.”
School year questions remain
With the school year approaching, questions remain for families connected to Pawleys Island Christian Academy.
Weaver said decisions about what comes next for the school will fall to new leadership at the church and to affected families.
The sheriff’s office said bond hearing information is expected to be released Tuesday. Anyone with information is asked to call the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office at 843-546-5102.
