GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — A registered sex offender accused of violating the terms of his probation after allegedly having access to children at Pawleys Island Community Church has sparked multiple investigations, public backlash and now a proposed class-action lawsuit.
Since the allegations first came to light, ABC15 has reported on the criminal investigation, the church’s response, statements from state agencies, the pastor’s resignation and the lawsuit filed on behalf of parents whose children attended Pawleys Island Christian Academy or church activities.
Here’s what we know so far.
Who is Warren Perry?
Warren Spence Perry is a registered sex offender who was convicted in Georgetown County in 2023 on charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor.
As part of his probation, Perry was subject to conditions, including restrictions involving children.
According to the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services (PPP), officials were informed of Perry’s volunteer work at Pawleys Island Community Church; however, officials said he never advised them that the church also operated a school/daycare.
How the investigation began
The investigation began after the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) received a call from a concerned parent on July 13.
According to an incident report, the parent reported learning Perry was working inside the school and daycare operated by Pawleys Island Community Church, serving approximately 300 students. The deputy noted Perry had previously disclosed that he volunteered at the church but never said that the church also operated a school or daycare.
Because South Carolina’s Sex Offender Registry does not have a field identifying volunteer positions, Perry’s volunteer work had been entered into OffenderWatch, where it appeared publicly as a volunteer position at the church, according to the report.
Authorities contacted Perry’s probation agent, who also said Perry had never disclosed that the church housed a school or daycare.
Additional complaints
Later that same day, deputies received another complaint from a woman who asked to remain anonymous.
According to the incident report, she alleged Perry worked as a custodian at Pawleys Island Christian Academy and had unrestricted access to children.
She also claimed a teacher raised concerns with school administration about a registered sex offender working around students, but was told Perry had rehabilitated himself and that judging him “was not a Christian thing to do.” The complainant alleged the teacher was later forced out of her job.
The complainant also provided what she said was a screenshot advertising an auction prize allowing a child to spend a workday helping the school’s custodians, one of whom she identified as Perry. She said students regularly interacted with Perry by giving him drawings and gifts. These allegations are contained in the incident report and have not been independently verified.
Perry’s arrest
Probation agents arrested Perry on July 14, alleging he violated several conditions of his probation.
According to the probation warrant, agents alleged Perry repeatedly told probation officers he had no contact with minors and had not entered restricted areas.
Investigators instead allege Perry had worked at the preschool inside Pawleys Island Community Church for several years while under supervision, frequently entered classrooms while school was in session and had full access to school grounds.
The warrant also said Perry violated probation by failing to refrain from contact with minors, failing to stay away from places primarily frequented by children and providing untruthful reports to his probation officer.
What Probation, Parole and Pardon Services says
Following Perry’s arrest, PPP released a statement saying protecting public safety remains its highest priority.
The agency said Perry received approval to volunteer at Pawleys Island Community Church based on his record while under supervision and character witness statements provided by the church’s pastor.
PPP said Perry was explicitly instructed not to have direct contact with minors while volunteering.
The agency said it received a call from GCSO on July 13 reporting complaints that Perry had been seen at Pawleys Island Christian Academy. PPP said it immediately investigated and arrested Perry after determining that he violated probation by providing untruthful information to his probation officer and failing to avoid contact with minors.
FULL STATEMENT:
“Protecting public safety remains our highest priority. Based on a record free from prior convictions and introduction of character witness statements provided by the pastor of Pawley’s Island Community Church, Mr. Perry received approval from the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services (PPP) to work in the Pawley’s Island Community Church. Perry was explicitly instructed during regular agent supervision meetings to not engage in direct contact with minors while performing his volunteer duties. On 7/13/26 the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services received a call from Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office stating that a complaint was received that Mr. Perry was seen at Pawley’s Island Christian Academy. PPP swiftly investigated and arrested Perry for giving his agent untruthful reports and not refraining from contact with minors.”
What the church has said
Following Perry’s arrest, Pastor Don Williams addressed church members and parents during a meeting at Pawleys Island Community Church, defending the church’s handling of Perry’s volunteer role while acknowledging the situation had shaken the congregation.
Williams said Perry disclosed his criminal history to church leadership and added that authorities were also aware. According to Williams, the church provided restrictions, adding that Perry was not to be alone with children.
“As Christians, here are two things that we believe to be true at the same time. We believe that children must be protected. I also believe that every person, even someone who has committed a serious crime, is made in the image of God and should be treated with dignity,” Williams said.
Williams said that after he spoke with Perry’s probation officer, he learned Perry was not complying with his conditions.
The meeting became heated as parents, former teachers and community members questioned church leadership’s decisions, alleging Perry was regularly seen around students and criticizing the church for not informing families that a registered sex offender was volunteering on campus.
ABC15 spoke with a teacher at PICC and a member of the congregation, who said she believes church and school leadership silenced people who raised concerns after learning Perry had been around children.
FULL VIDEO – PASTOR HOLDS CONGREGATION MEETING:
The church is now named as a defendant in the proposed class-action lawsuit and will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations through the court process.
Pastor’s resignation
Pastor Williams, his wife Ginny Williams and Niki Howard, the director of the church’s academy, resigned on Friday night as authorities continue investigating allegations involving a registered sex offender’s access to children, according to a statement from GCSO.
FULL STATEMENT:
“I am aware of the resignation of Pastor Don Williams and his wife Ginny following the discovery that the church knowingly allowed convicted sex offender Warren Perry to work at Pawleys Island Community Church, despite the fact that a day care and school existed on site. I understand that the Director of the Pawleys Island Christian Academy (P.I.C.A.), Niki Howard, has also resigned. These resignations mean nothing with regard to the ongoing investigation of the church allowing a sex offender to be in close proximity with children at the church school. My agency continues to gather evidence and conduct interviews at this time. The media and public will be updated on the progress of the investigation during a press conference on Monday afternoon.”
DSS investigation
The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) has confirmed it is investigating.
In a statement, DSS said it is aware of allegations involving Perry and his alleged proximity to children at Pawleys Island Community Church.
The agency said Perry’s alleged role as an employee or volunteer remains under investigation.
Because the investigation remains active, DSS said it cannot answer questions or discuss details while working alongside law enforcement.
FULL STATEMENT:
The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) is aware of an incident involving an individual who was allegedly near children at the Pawleys Island Community Church who had a prior conviction and is a registered sex offender. His alleged connection and status as an employee and/or volunteer with the organization is under investigation.
“As with any open investigation, DSS is unable to answer questions about the situation while it is being investigated to not compromise the investigation as we work alongside our law enforcement partners. In regards to specific inspection or complaint records you are seeking for this facility, and if they exist, you are more than welcome to submit a Freedom of Information Act request by following the instructions on our website here.”
The lawsuit
On July 17, parents filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against Pawleys Island Community Church and Pawleys Island Christian Academy.
The lawsuit seeks to represent parents and guardians whose children attended the academy or participated in church activities during the past six years while Perry was allegedly present.
Among its allegations, the lawsuit claims the defendants:
- Negligently hired or retained a known sex offender.
- Failed to properly screen him.
- Failed to notify parents.
- Allowed him access to children.
- Breached fiduciary duties owed to families.
- Caused emotional distress to parents and children.
- Should pay actual and punitive damages exceeding $25 million.
Where the case stands now
Some people in the church’s congregation and online have questioned why Williams has not been charged for knowingly allowing a sex offender to allegedly volunteer near children.
ABC15 spoke with 15th Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson, who said a pastor is a mandatory reporter, meaning he would be required to tell police of any abuse happening on his campus, and not doing so would be a crime.
However, Richardson said a pastor would not be required to inform people that a sex offender is part of the church, and a person cannot be charged simply for hiring someone who is on the registry.
“Simply not telling everybody that a person is on the registry, that is not a crime. There may be some other crime violated, and there definitely could be some civil aspects out there, but there’s no requirement for a mandatory reporter to tell everybody, ‘hey, this person’s on the registry,'” Richardson said.
Multiple investigations remain ongoing.
The GCSO said it will provide an update on the investigation during a press conference on Monday afternoon.
VIDEO BREAKDOWN:
