Judge dismisses criminal charges against former Pawleys Island church leaders

A Georgetown County magistrate judge has dismissed all criminal charges against former leaders of Pawleys Island Community Church and its affiliated school. The charges stemmed from an investigation into the church's decision to allow a registered sex offender, Warren Perry, to volunteer as a janitor at the church's youth academy.

Chief Magistrate Judge Anthony Love ruled that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence of wrongdoing. In his decision, Judge Love attributed much of the responsibility to the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, suggesting the agency failed to properly manage the situation. Defense attorneys argued that the state agency was aware of Perry’s volunteer role and had provided specific guidelines for his service, which the church followed.

While the defense maintained that the conduct did not meet the legal elements required for the charges, Georgetown County Sheriff Carter Weaver stated he stands by the work of his investigators and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. The Sheriff indicated he is awaiting further information from the Attorney General’s Office regarding the case's outcome.