Pastor Aaron Williams Jr., leader of the Maddox Memorial Church of God in Christ in Mansfield, Ohio, faces a lively controversy following the appearance of videos broadcast on September 23, 2025 on social networks and the American press. These reveal an intervention by the local police, which occurred on August 30 at the Clearfork Reservoir Park, where Williams was in a SUV alongside a woman who is not his wife, engaged in a sexual act.
The officer, alerted by suspicious behavior, questioned the two protagonists and sent them judicial quotes for public indecency, without carrying out an immediate arrest. The rapid publication of BodyCam images has generated an intense debate on pastoral morality, the responsibility of religious leaders and transparency within the local evangelical community.
Recognized for his community commitment, Aaron Williams Jr., 56, married and father of three daughters, is also a veteran of the Gulf War and former candidate for the post of county commissioner in 2024 on an anti-violence platform. He currently held the function of president of the Youth Department of the Ohio North First ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ.
His biography, relayed by the Church and his political supports, presents him as a mentor of young people and a defender of social transformation by the Christian message.
Questioned by the press, Pastor Williams pleads not guilty and believes that the case is politically motivated, refusing any additional comment. The hearing is provided for at the Mansfield Municipal Court on November 20, 2025. At this stage, no official public declaration was made by the Maddox Memorial Church or by the ecclesial jurisdiction.
Sources:
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Christian Post – Link
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Churchleaders – Link
