Pawleys Island Christian Academy Announces Closure
The academy said recent revelations and an ongoing investigation severed trust, while 5 people have been charged in the church case.
- On Monday, Pawleys Island Community Church announced it is "formally ending" its 25-year-old Christian Academy ministry, citing ongoing investigation and licensing delays for the 2026-27 school year.
- Georgetown County Sheriff Carter Weaver's investigation began in July after a concerned parent reported that 70-year-old registered sex offender Warren Perry was volunteering at the school despite probation restrictions.
- Authorities arrested five individuals: former Pastor Don Williams, his wife Ginny Williams, school director Niki Howard, Michael Fields, and Warren Perry. Charges include obstruction of justice, criminal conspiracy, and unlawfully placing children at risk.
- A federal class action lawsuit filed on August 5 in U.S. District Court names the Southern Baptist Convention and church leadership as defendants, alleging systematic failure to disclose known safety risks to families.
- While church leadership reviews policies to restore trust, former staff member Danielle Newton argued that closing the academy is insufficient and that leadership must be held accountable for harm caused to students and families.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Christian School Closes In Child Sex Predator Scandal
The Charleston Post & Courier reports: Pawleys Island Community Church shuttered its private school just weeks after the ministry came under fire for allowing a sex offender to work there. Church elders notified members on Aug. 10 that the Pawleys Island Christian Academy had closed after 25 years. Since the revelation, former pastor Don Williams, his wife Ginny Williams, former school director Niki Howard and director of operations Michael Fiel…
Pawleys Island Christian Academy shuts down following sex offender scandal
PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) - The Pawleys Island Community Church announced that it has ceased operations of the academy following a scandal where a convicted sex offender was allowed to work in proximity to children. The Pawleys Island Community Church (PICC) operated the Pawleys Island Christian Academy (PICA) for 25 years. PICC leadership announced on [...]
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
