A former Michigan pastor is accused of installing hidden cameras in church bathrooms for at least two years, authorities said.
Will Johnson, 37, was worship pastor and director at 2|42 Community Church in Brighton, about 20 miles north of Ann Arbor, but was fired after church staff discovered a hidden camera in a “private unisex restroom on the church premises.” [church’s] backstage area,” said Eric Rauch, senior pastor of the chaplaincy operations. Detroit News.
“We really want our community to know about the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and it will turn your world upside down.”
Craig Ryan, chairman of the Leadership Advisory Team at 2|42 Community Church, Church Leaders“Our former worship pastor and director, Will Johnson, confessed to church leadership that he had installed the cameras at the location and was immediately fired.”
Church leaders contacted local authorities, and Livingston County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested Johnson at his Howell home Friday night.
Johnson Reportedly The suspect admitted to sheriff's investigators that he had been hiding cameras in church bathrooms intermittently over the past two years and targeting specific church employees who were known to use them.
Johnson was charged Sunday with felony counts of tampering with evidence, using a computer to commit a crime and surveilling a nude person.
If convicted, he faces up to four years in prison for each count of tampering with evidence, up to two years for each count of surveillance of a nude person, and up to two years for each count of using a computer to commit a crime.
Johnson is being held in the Livingston County Jail, with bail set at $250,000.
The sheriff's office said electronic devices were seized from the home and will be subjected to forensic analysis.
In a statement, church leaders said: Facebook“We are shocked and deeply saddened by this crime and violation of our community. The protection, safety and privacy of all who enter our church is our top priority. We are cooperating fully with the Sheriff's Office as this is an ongoing investigation.”
Rauf said“It's tragic. We care so much about our community, we really want them to know about the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and your world has been turned upside down.”
2|42 Community Church is YouTube It details disturbing allegations.
“At this time, the sheriff's office has no indication that any cameras were installed anywhere else on the property. Church leaders conducted a thorough search of the entire property yesterday, today and tomorrow, and as a precaution we will be retaining a third-party professional service to continue the search effort,” Ryan said in the video, fighting back tears.
Ryan said church officials do not currently know “the full extent of this crime.”
“We are committed to full transparency and consideration to all victims of this crime,” Ryan added.
Sheriff Mike Murphy stated“At this time, all known victims have been identified and notified.”
Johnson, who reportedly worked at the church for five years, is due to appear in court next Tuesday.
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