Metro Detroit Church Leader Places Hidden Camera In Bathroom: Police

BRIGHTON, MI — A metro Detroit church leader is in trouble after placing a hidden camera in a unisex bathroom at the church, according to officials.

Will Johnson, the worship pastor director of 2|42 Community Church in Brighton, was charged with tampering with evidence, surveilling an unclothed person, a felony and using a computer to commit a crime.

He was placed in jail with a bond set at $250,000. His next court date is scheduled for Sept. 24.

If convicted, he faces up to 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.

Eric Rauch, 2|42 Community Church's executive pastor of ministry operations, said a staff member found a hidden camera inside "a non-public, unisex bathroom" in the church's backstage area and alerted church leaders.

Johnson told church leaders that he placed the hidden camera in the bathroom, according to officials.

Church leaders then fired Johnson from his role, according to officials.

"We are shocked and deeply saddened by this situation, as the protection, safety and privacy of every person who enters our church is our priority. 2|42 Community Church is cooperating fully with the Sheriff’s Office investigation and is taking proactive steps, including engaging with a third party investigator, to ensure the safety of all our facilities," Eric Rauch said in a statement.

The church also has locations in Ann Arbor, Lansing, Livonia, Monroe, Saginaw and Taylor.

Officials were still investigating the incident.