PAWLEYS ISLAND (SC)
WCIV-TV, ABC-4 [Charleston SC]
July 30, 2026
By Nic Bass
A Georgetown County judge granted bond Thursday to the fifth person arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into Pawleys Island Community Church and its affiliated school, where church and school leaders are accused of concealing a registered sex offender’s involvement with children.
Michael Fields, the church’s director of operations and missions, appeared before a judge and was granted a $25,000 surety bond after being charged with unlawfully placing a child at risk or causing a child harm.
During the hearing, Fields told the court he has worked at Pawleys Island Community Church for 15 years. According to the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office, he served as the church’s director of operations and missions and was responsible for campus security and the safety of students at the school.
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Authorities allege church and school leaders helped hide registered sex offender Warren Perry’s involvement with children. Investigators say Perry was allowed to volunteer on the church’s campus near children for years despite being a registered sex offender.
The judge granted Fields a $25,000 surety bond but also ordered that he have no contact with anyone involved in the case. The order prohibits him from contacting anyone by telephone, social media or through family members and friends regarding the investigation.
Fields is the fifth person charged in the case. Former church pastor Don Williams, his wife Ginny Williams and school director Niki Howard have each been charged with criminal conspiracy and obstruction of justice.
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Perry is also facing additional charges after investigators say he violated a recent plea agreement by possessing photographs of children in bathing suits on his phone.
Fields is scheduled to return to court in September and October.
The Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation remains active.