Leslie Williams, 62, a pastor and author who led a ministry at The Villages retirement community, was arrested on an outstanding bigamy warrant from Rockdale County, Georgia. Officials say Florida marriage records indicate Williams was still legally married when a subsequent marriage was recorded, prompting the warrant. Social media posts show a December marriage announcement to a woman named Cindi, followed months later by removal of the photo and a return to "single" status. Williams is being held without bond in Sumter County pending extradition.
Marriage-Advice Pastor Arrested at The Villages on Bigamy Warrant
Pastor known for marriage advice arrested at rumored swingers community accused of having multiple wives
Leslie Williams, a 62-year-old pastor who ran Leslie Williams Ministries at The Villages retirement community and authored a 2017 marriage-advice book, was arrested Wednesday on an outstanding bigamy warrant from Rockdale County, Georgia.
Details of the Arrest
The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office said Williams was taken into custody at The Villages, a large retirement complex outside Orlando, on a warrant tied to alleged unlawful multiple marriages. He is being held without bond in the Sumter County Detention Center as an out-of-state fugitive, and legal holds have been placed by Rockdale County, Georgia, pending extradition.
Leslie Williams takes a selfie as he rides a golf cart.(Fox News)
Why Authorities Issued the Warrant
"Florida marriage records were obtained and confirmed that Leslie Williams was still lawfully married at the time of the subsequent marriage," the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office told Fox News Digital. "Based on these records, a warrant was obtained for Leslie Williams for the charge of bigamy."
Investigators say the matter began after a complainant reported alleged bigamy to the Haines City Police Department in Florida. Because records showed Williams’ earlier marriage had been certified in Rockdale County, the case was transferred to Georgia, where the warrant was issued on April 3.
Social Media Timeline
Williams’ Facebook activity shows he had identified as married for several years. In December, he posted an announcement of a new marriage to a woman named Cindi and updated his cover photo to feature her. He thanked followers for their congratulations and wrote in the post, "Thanks for all the wonderful comments referencing my saved, beautiful and talented wife, Mrs. Williams!"
A mugshot displays 62-year-old Florida pastor and marriage advice author Leslie Williams.
Within months, however, the cover photo was replaced with an image of a car and his relationship status on the platform was changed from "married" to "single," according to account activity records. Those changes are noted by investigators as part of the timeline leading up to the warrant.
Background: Ministry and Book
Williams is the author of Love Her Like This: Loving Her Has Never Been Deeper, a 2017 book that promotes committed, biblically grounded marriage and encourages men to model Christ’s love for their spouses. His website lists Leslie Williams Ministries as based at The Villages, where he led services and delivered teachings described as relevant to the Christian community.
Residents dance in the square of the Villages retirement community outside of Orlando, Florida, on October 4, 2016.
Community Context
The Villages, one of the largest retirement communities in the world, has long attracted media attention and rumors regarding social behavior, including reports and anecdotes about swingers and higher rates of sexually transmitted infections. Those characterizations have circulated for years and are part of the broader public interest surrounding incidents that occur there.
Williams remains in custody pending extradition to Georgia. Authorities have not publicly released additional details about other potential charges or ongoing investigations.
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