Pastor Faces Bigamy Charges in The Villages
Leslie Williams, a 62-year-old pastor residing in Florida’s The Villages retirement community, faces bigamy charges following a social media announcement of his marriage. Authorities arrested him at his Lady Lake home on Wednesday, booking him into Sumter County jail without bond.
Arrest Details
A deputy arrived around 3:40 p.m. to serve an out-of-state warrant from Rockdale County, Georgia, listing Williams as an out-of-state fugitive. When Williams was not at home, officers spotted his blue Ford pickup truck nearby and conducted a traffic stop, leading to his arrest. Officials confirm he faces extradition to Georgia.
Social Media Posts Spark Investigation
In December, Williams updated his Facebook status to ‘married’ and shared a photo of his new wife, Cindy. Comments poured in, with one user noting, ‘Wow I thought you were already married. Congratulations!!’ Another celebrated, ‘Love is in the air! Mr. & Mrs. Williams!’
Days later, he posted a photo of his bride, writing, ‘Thanks for all the wonderful comments referencing my saved, beautiful and talented wife, Mrs. Williams! She’s saved for real, praise God!!!’ Responding to praise about his refreshed appearance in a driving selfie, Williams replied, ‘I am, my wife is an amazing woman, I feel the way I look! Thank you Sis!!!’
Ministry Background
Williams leads Leslie Williams Ministries, which focuses on spreading hope through faith in Jesus Christ and preparing followers for the end times. The ministry’s mission emphasizes empowering disciples to build stronger relationships with God and others. Its address is in a shopping center associated with Safe Ship. Jail records show Williams remains in custody.
The Villages: Notorious Retirement Haven
The Villages spans five zip codes and houses a massive retiree population, larger than Manhattan. A 2021 documentary, Some Kind of Heaven by Lance Oppenheim, highlighted the community’s unique culture, including reports of swinging activities and a black market for Viagra among residents.
In 2023, a viral TikTok video showcased loofahs hanging from car mirrors, speculated by some to signal swinging preferences based on color codes shared on Reddit. Earlier reports 2014 noted a restaurant worker earning $100 for three hours at a swingers party in the community.
