Florida Pastor Arrested on Georgia Bigamy Warrant

Leslie Williams, a 62-year-old pastor who leads a ministry in The Villages retirement community in Florida, was arrested on April 22 on a bigamy warrant issued by authorities in Rockdale County, Georgia.

Sumter County Sheriff's Office deputies arrived at Williams's home in Lady Lake around 3:40 p.m. to serve the out-of-state warrant. Williams was not there, but officers spotted his blue Ford pickup truck nearby and conducted a traffic stop, leading to his arrest. He was booked into the Sumter County Detention Center without bond and listed as an out-of-state fugitive pending extradition to Georgia.

The charge stems from Florida marriage records confirming Williams remained legally married when he entered a subsequent marriage, according to the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office. The case began after a complaint to Haines City police in Florida, which was transferred to Georgia due to records showing Williams's prior marriage was certified there. A warrant was issued on April 3.

Williams publicly announced the new marriage on Facebook in December, changing his relationship status to "married" and posting photos of a woman identified as his wife, Cindi. "Thanks for all the wonderful...