A former church leader in Michigan is facing charges after allegedly admitting to installing a hidden camera in a church restroom. Will Johnson, 37, previously served as the worship pastor director at 2|42 Community Church in Brighton, a town located just north of Ann Arbor. Johnson’s illicit activities came to light on Friday when a staff member discovered the concealed camera in a private, unisex restroom located in the church’s backstage area.
Upon discovery of the hidden camera, church leaders confronted Johnson, who confessed to the act. This confession led to his immediate termination, according to Eric Rauch, the executive pastor of ministry operations. Johnson also confessed to detectives from the Livingston County sheriff’s office that he had placed the camera in the restroom.
Johnson revealed to the detectives that he had intermittently installed the camera in the restroom over the past two years. He specifically targeted certain church employees who were known to use that particular restroom.
The church community has expressed shock and deep sadness over the incident. Rauch emphasized that the church prioritizes the protection, safety, and privacy of every individual who enters their premises. In response to the incident, the church is fully cooperating with the ongoing sheriff’s office investigation. They have also engaged a third-party investigator and are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of all their facilities.
On Sunday, Johnson was charged with tampering with evidence, surveilling an unclothed person — a felony — and using a computer to commit a crime. He is currently being held at the Livingston County Jail, with his bond set at $250,000.
If convicted, Johnson could face a maximum of four years in prison for the tampering with evidence charge, up to two years for surveilling an unclothed person, and up to two years for using a computer to commit a crime. His next court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 24.