THE VILLAGES, FL — A 62-year-old pastor who authored a book on strengthening marriages was arrested Wednesday at a Florida retirement community on charges he illegally married multiple women while already wed.
Leslie Williams faces bigamy charges in Georgia after investigators discovered he entered into at least two marriages without legally ending a previous one, according to the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office. The arrest at The Villages retirement community has drawn particular attention because Williams built his ministry around relationship advice and published a 2017 book titled “Love Her Like This: Loving Her Has Never Been Deeper.” The book promised to help men achieve “never-failing” love through biblical commitments, making the criminal charges a stark contradiction to his public teachings on marital faithfulness.
The investigation began after someone reported suspected bigamy to the Haines City Police Department in Florida, officials said. The case was transferred to Georgia authorities when records showed Williams’ previous marriage had been certified in Rockdale County. “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.” The warrant was issued April 3, and Williams was taken into custody by Sumter County deputies at The Villages, where he operates Leslie Williams Ministries from a rented mailbox at a shopping center.
Social media posts on Williams’ Facebook page provided key evidence in the case, showing a timeline that raised investigators’ suspicions. According to his account, Williams had indicated he was married for years, with posts dating back to at least 2018 referring to a wife. However, in December, he announced a new marriage to a woman named Cindi with celebratory posts that drew confused reactions from friends. “Thanks for all the wonderful comments referencing my saved, beautiful and talented wife, Mrs. Williams!” Williams wrote in one post featuring his new bride. When one friend commented, “Wow I thought you were already married. Congratulations!!” and another asked if the announcement was real, Williams responded enthusiastically, “Yes preacher!!!! THE HAPPIEST MAN on earth!!” The posts suggested Williams was simultaneously claiming to be married to different women at different times.
The relationship Williams announced in December appeared to deteriorate quickly, based on changes to his social media accounts. Within roughly two months, Williams removed the cover photo featuring his new wife and replaced it with an image of a car, according to his Facebook activity. His relationship status was also changed from “married” to “single” during this period, suggesting the December marriage had ended before his arrest. The Villages, where Williams was arrested, is one of the largest retirement communities in the world, located outside Orlando. The sprawling 55-plus community has long been the subject of rumors about swinging, public sexual encounters and unusually high rates of sexually transmitted diseases among residents, according to the Associated Press.
Williams had positioned himself as a relationship expert and biblical teacher before his arrest. His 2017 book addressed “common issues that arise in a marriage that have the potential to destroy the sacred relationship between a husband and wife,” according to its Amazon listing. The book’s promotional material stated it “shows men [the] depth of Christ’s love for His bride as an example for every man to love his bride with the same strength, sacrifice and commitment.” Williams described himself as “an apologist and teacher of the word of God with relevant and timely messages for the body of Christ” and advertised his ministry as “preparing you for the end of time.” The contrast between his public teachings on marital commitment and the criminal allegations has shocked followers who viewed him as a trusted voice on relationships.
Williams is currently being held without bond at the Sumter County Detention Center as an out-of-state fugitive awaiting extradition to Georgia. Legal holds from Rockdale County prevent his release while the extradition process moves forward. Authorities have not disclosed the full number of alleged marriages or provided complete details about the timeline of Williams’ relationships, as the investigation remains ongoing. Bigamy is a criminal offense in Georgia and most U.S. states, carrying potential jail time and fines for those convicted of marrying while already legally wed to another person.
The case has generated widespread online reaction, with critics pointing to what they describe as hypocrisy between Williams’ teachings and alleged actions. Legal experts say the case highlights how public figures who build their authority on moral or spiritual grounds face intense scrutiny when their private conduct contradicts their public messaging. The investigation is expected to reveal additional details about Williams’ marital history and the specific timeline of his alleged multiple marriages. Williams has not yet been convicted, and the legal process in Georgia will determine the outcome of the bigamy charges against him.
