Pawleys Island Pastor and Associates Charged in Child Endangerment Scheme

Former senior pastor Don Williams of Pawleys Island Community Church, his wife Ginny Williams, academy director Niki (Jennifer) Howard and 70‑year‑old registered sex offender Warren Spence Perry were arrested on July 20, 2026 after a July 13 search warrant uncovered alleged collusion to place a convicted offender around children at the church‑run academy. Charges include obstruction of justice, criminal conspiracy and unlawful conduct toward a child, which the Georgetown County sheriff described as “placing a child at risk.” The defendants have not been tried and are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The South Carolina Baptist Convention issued a statement condemning the alleged abuse, calling it “an abomination” and urging churches to review safety policies, sexual‑abuse training and child‑protection protocols. The convention offered resources for prevention and response, and prayed for the victims, families, and law‑enforcement officers handling the case.