A Michigan pastor has been arrested and fired from his position at a Brighton church after allegedly admitting to placing a hidden camera in a non-public, unisex bathroom. According to The Detroit News, the suspect, identified as 37-year-old Will Johnson, is facing multiple charges including evidence tampering, surveillance of an unclothed individual, and employing a computer for criminal activity.
When a church staffer discovered the hidden camera in the backstage area of 2|42 Community Church, they immediately brought it to the attention of church leadership. According to executive pastor of ministry operations Eric Rauch, Johnson confessed to installing the camera after being confronted by church officials. He was subsequently dismissed from his position as worship pastor director.
Rauch expressed shock and sadness over the situation, stating that protecting the privacy and safety of those who enter the church is their top priority. The church is fully cooperating with the investigation and has taken proactive steps, including hiring a third-party investigator, to ensure the safety of all their facilities.
Livingston County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) detectives also questioned Johnson after his arrest, and he reportedly admitted to intermittently installing the camera in the bathroom over the past two years. The target of the recordings was specific individuals who used the restroom, according to LCSO.
Johnson is currently being held at Livingston County Jail on a $250,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on September 24. If convicted, he could face up to a four-year prison term for the evidence tampering charge, up to two years for the surveillance charge, and an additional two years for the computer charge.
The shocking news has left the church community reeling, and many are struggling to come to terms with the actions of someone they once trusted. Rauch emphasized that the church is taking steps to hold Johnson accountable for his actions and ensure the safety and privacy of their members.
Brighton church pastor arrested, fired after camera found in bathroom, officials say https://t.co/6fMWVAwq2o
— The Detroit News (@detroitnews) September 16, 2024
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and security of all individuals, especially in places of worship. The actions of one individual should not tarnish the reputation of a church and its community, and it is encouraging to see 2|42 Community Church taking swift and decisive action in response to this disturbing situation.
The arrest of the former worship pastor director at 2|42 Community Church has sent shockwaves through the church community. While it may be difficult to reconcile the actions of someone who was once held in high regard, it is important to focus on holding them accountable and ensuring the safety of all individuals in the church.
Source: SilverCircular
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