A church in Michigan has been rocked by scandal after its former worship pastor, 37-year-old Will Johnson, was arrested for allegedly hiding a camera in a church bathroom, according to The Detroit News. Rauch, the executive pastor of ministry operations at 2|42 Community Church in Brighton, confirmed that Johnson had been fired after admitting to placing the camera for which he was arrested last Friday.
The revelation came to light after a church staff member discovered the hidden camera in a private, unisex bathroom located in the backstage area of the church, Rauch told The Detroit News. Upon being confronted by church leadership, Johnson reportedly confessed to installing the camera and was immediately terminated from his position at the church.
According to reports, Johnson also admitted to the same to Livingston County Sheriff’s Office detectives following his arrest. He allegedly confessed to intermittently installing the camera over a period of two years, targeting specific individuals who used the bathroom. The LCSO is now conducting an investigation into the matter.
The church released a statement expressing their shock and deeply saddened by the situation, stating that the safety and privacy of everyone who enters their church is their top priority. In light of the incident, the church has taken proactive measures, including engaging a third-party investigator, to ensure the safety of their facilities.
As for Johnson, he has been charged with evidence tampering, surreptitious recording of a person undressing, and using a computer for criminal activity, as reported by The Detroit News. He is currently being held at Livingston County Jail on a $250,000 bond and is expected to appear in court on September 24.
If convicted, Johnson could face up to four years in prison for the tampering charge, up to two years for the surveillance charge, and up to two years for the computer charge. The depth of his betrayal and violation of trust has not gone unnoticed, and the church community is left reeling from the shock of his actions.
Brighton church pastor arrested, fired after camera found in bathroom, officials say https://t.co/6fMWVAwq2o
— The Detroit News (@detroitnews) September 16, 2024
In times like these, it is important to remember that the actions of an individual do not define the character of a community. The 2|42 Community Church is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of its members, and they will continue to move forward and heal from this incident.