Pawleys Island Community Church's crisis has taken another devastating turn after two new lawsuits were filed, including one alleging that a convicted sex offender sexually abused a five-year-old child while volunteering at the church's affiliated school.
The lawsuits come just days after former pastor Don Williams, his wife Ginny Williams, former school director Niki Howard, and volunteer Warren Perry were arrested over allegations they concealed Perry's status as a registered sex offender from parents and staff. Now, the legal fallout is escalating as families seek accountability for what they describe as years of deception.
The first lawsuit, filed on behalf of a mother identified as Jane Doe, alleges that her five-year-old son was sexually abused by Perry in 2022 while attending Pawleys Island Christian Academy. According to the complaint, the child later described a disturbing "game" allegedly taught to him by an older white-haired man on school grounds. The family says they immediately reported the allegations to school leadership, but claim their concerns were dismissed.
The lawsuit accuses church and school leaders of deliberately concealing Perry's criminal background, arguing that their actions exposed children to serious danger.
A second lawsuit, filed by another anonymous mother, does not allege direct abuse but claims her preschool-aged son was unknowingly exposed every day to a registered sex offender whom church leaders allegedly allowed to work around young children while assuring parents the campus was safe. The complaint seeks damages for emotional distress, negligence, and the long-term psychological impact of not knowing what the child may have experienced.
The lawsuits add to an already explosive scandal that has engulfed the South Carolina church. Authorities allege senior church leaders knowingly allowed Perry to remain on campus despite legal restrictions tied to his status as a convicted sex offender. Prosecutors have since charged former pastor Don Williams, Ginny Williams, and former academy director Niki Howard with multiple criminal offenses, including obstruction of justice and conspiracy, while Perry remains jailed after being denied bond.
Court filings also allege the South Carolina Department of Social Services previously found the school noncompliant with background check requirements on multiple occasions. One complaint further points to a 2005 lawsuit involving an alleged sexual assault by a former youth director, raising fresh questions about the church's history of safeguarding practices.
Despite the mounting lawsuits, arrests, and intense public scrutiny, an email sent by church leaders to congregants reportedly made no mention of the criminal charges or civil litigation. Instead, leaders acknowledged members' "uncertainty and disappointment" following the pastor's resignation, asked for patience as they navigated the crisis, and encouraged the congregation to "stand firm."
The rapidly expanding legal battle is expected to place renewed scrutiny on how churches screen volunteers, respond to allegations of abuse, and communicate with parents when children's safety is at stake.
