BRIGHTON (MI)
The Roys Report [Chicago IL]
September 17, 2024
By Liz Lykins
A Michigan pastor has confessed to hiding a camera in a church bathroom for years, according to an email from church leadership.
Will Johnson, the former worship pastor director, made the confession after a staff member discovered the camera in a unisex bathroom in the backstage area at 2|42 Community Church in Brighton, Michigan. 2|42 is a non-denominational church with seven campuses across the state.
Church leadership immediately fired 37-year-old Johnson, the email said. They then contacted the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, who arrested Johnson that same night.
Johnson, was arraigned Sunday in the 53rd District Court and charged with tampering with evidence, surveilling an unclothed person, a felony, and using a computer to commit a crime, according to court records.
Police told Livingston Daily News that Johnson admitted to placing the camera in the bathroom on and off for more than two years. He used the camera to target specific individuals known to frequent the bathroom.
Police added that the bathroom in question is primarily used by church staff and volunteers and is not readily available to the public. All known victims have been notified of Johnson’s activities.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by this situation as the protection, safety, and privacy of every person who enters our church is our priority,” church leadership wrote. “Our commitment to you is to be fully transparent and care for all victims of this crime.”
Church leadership said that at this time police don’t have any indication that cameras were placed elsewhere in the building.
However, church leadership are thoroughly searching all campuses this week with the assistance of a third-party professional “out of an abundance of caution,” the email said.
Johnson is currently being held at Livingston County Jail on a $250,000 cash bond, according to court records. He will next appear in court for a hearing on September 24.
If convicted, Johnson faces a maximum of four years in prison for tampering with evidence, two years for surveilling an unclothed person, and two years for using a computer to commit a crime, according to state law.
Outside of 2|42, Johnson works as an associate and coach at Slingshot Group, a church and nonprofit staffing/coaching organization, according to his social media.
Church leaders “saddened” and “infuriated” by news
After breaking the news over email, church leaders again shared the information with congregants on Sunday morning.
“We’re not aware of the full scope of this crime but we are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation,” said Craig Ryan, chairman of the leadership advisory team at the church. “Like you, we’re devastated. Our desire and our consistent commitment is that the church should be the safest place in our community.”
Ryan noted that all employees undergo background checks before starting at 2|42. He also urged anyone with additional information to contact local police.
Ryan shared that in light of this news, the church brought in staff from a local mental health center in to help congregants process that morning. Congregants were able to talk with the staff during or after service, he said.
Additionally, the church is holding a trauma processing event hosted by a clinical psychologist on Tuesday evening, Ryan said.
Lead pastor Tony Johnson told congregants that he is heartbroken over this “horrendous and difficult matter.” The lead pastor did not mention that he had any relation to the worship pastor.
“I am saddened, and I am infuriated. I love this church. It is my job and the job of our staff to protect not just the church but every individual that walks through these doors,” the lead pastor said. “This is an assault upon the entire church — it’s a betrayal of the trust that I put in him and it’s a betrayal of the trust that you put in us.”
Lead pastor Johnson repeatedly apologized for how the trust congregants placed in the church has been broken.
“I’ve racked my brain for two days trying to figure out the words to say to you. The truth is there’s nothing I can say to you that’s going to fix it,” he added.
Church member responds “my heart really dropped”
Executive Pastor Eric Rauch told WXYZ News the last few days have been “unimaginable.”
“It’s devastating. We dedicate our lives to impacting our community in a positive way and caring for people and to have someone from the inside betray that to such a degree and level is. . . it’s hard to find the words,” Rauch said. “Our hearts break for the victims, our community, anyone that wants to just take a next step with Jesus.”
Rauch described worship pastor Johnson as a “bad apple” that has now been plucked out of the church. Rauch believes the church can heal and move forward from this.
Church attendee, Peter Sorensen, said he was shocked when he learned the news.
“My heart really dropped. You always hear about this happening to other people or places and I was just in shock,” Sorensen said. “I know that’s kind of cliché but it’s a different flood of emotions: betrayed, you feel hurt, disappointed, angry.”
Sorensen said he started attending the church six months ago and said the church has made him feel like family — he even credits it for his sobriety.
He’s grateful for the transparent response of church leadership in these circumstances.
“It’s always going to be in the back of my mind,” Sorensen said. “I don’t blame 2|42 for this. I really feel like it could have happened to anybody.”