A 62-year-old pastor residing in Florida’s The Villages retirement community faces bigamy charges following a social media announcement of his marriage to a new wife.
Arrest Details
Leslie Williams was apprehended at his Lady Lake home on Wednesday around 3:40 p.m. Deputies from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office served an out-of-state warrant. When Williams was absent, officers spotted his blue Ford pickup truck nearby and conducted a traffic stop, leading to his arrest.
Charged as an out-of-state fugitive from Rockdale County, Georgia, Williams was booked into the county jail without bond. Authorities confirm plans for his extradition. Jail records indicate he remains in custody.
Social Media Announcement
In December, Williams updated his Facebook status to ‘married’ and shared a photo of his bride, Cindy, who lacks a visible social media presence. One commenter noted, ‘Wow I thought you were already married. Congratulations!!’ Another celebrated, ‘Love is in the air! Mr. & Mrs. Williams!’
Days later, he posted about his ‘saved, beautiful and talented wife, Mrs. Williams! She’s saved for real, praise God!!!’ Responding to praise for his refreshed appearance, Williams replied, ‘I am, my wife is an amazing woman, I feel the way I look! Thank you Sis!!!’
Ministry Operations
Williams leads Leslie Williams Ministries, focused on spreading hope through faith in Jesus Christ and preparing followers for the end times. The mission emphasizes empowering disciples to build stronger relationships with God and others. The ministry operates from a shopping center address linked to Safe Ship.
The Villages Community
The Villages spans five zip codes and surpasses Manhattan in size, attracting a large retiree population. A 2021 documentary, Some Kind of Heaven by Lance Oppenheim, highlighted unique aspects, including reports of swinging activities and a black market for Viagra.
In 2023, a viral TikTok video showcased loofahs on car mirrors, speculated as swinging signals based on a Reddit-shared color code chart. A restaurant worker recounted in 2014 being paid $100 for three hours at a swingers party in the community.
