Pastor Shatters Trust After Hidden Cameras Discovered
A pastor affiliated with a Michigan-based multisite non-denominational church has been dismissed and arrested for allegedly installing a hidden camera in a church bathroom. Will Johnson, 37, who served as the worship pastor director at the Brighton campus of 2|42 Community Church, was taken into custody last Friday after the camera was discovered in the backstage bathroom area.
Craig Ryan, the chairman of the church’s Leadership Advisory Team, informed the congregation via email that Johnson confessed to the act. The church leadership promptly notified the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, and Ryan assured members that they were cooperating fully with the investigation. He added that, at this point, there is no evidence suggesting that additional cameras were placed elsewhere in the church.
In light of the incident, church officials are conducting thorough inspections of all facilities and plan to engage a third-party professional for added safety measures. Ryan expressed shock and sorrow over the situation, emphasizing that the safety and privacy of churchgoers are of utmost importance. He reiterated the church’s commitment to creating a secure environment, noting that all employees undergo comprehensive background checks.
To support members affected by this incident, the church provided mental health resources at the Brighton campus, with counselors available in the basketball court area. Johnson was arrested at his home in Howell and is currently held at the Livingston County Jail. Reports indicate that he targeted specific individuals by placing the camera in the church restroom.
Johnson has been charged in 53rd District Court with crimes including surveilling an unclothed person, tampering with evidence, and using a computer to commit a crime. His next court date is set for September 24, and if convicted on all charges, he faces a potential prison sentence of up to eight years.