JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville man has been arrested and charged with six counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor, newly-released documents show.
Rashad Williams, 34, was reported to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office after it was discovered that he was in a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old victim, according to a warrant for his arrest.
He was arrested and booked into the Duval County Jail June 27.
The warrant for his arrest says there were several incidents in June of this year where Williams was documented having sexual relations with the 16-year-old after speaking with him over a dating app.
The victim told police that he went to Williams' home several times for "bible study." He would also pick up him from school and bring him to his home. "The suspect would often instruct (victim) on how to lie to his parents about where he was and who he was with," the report says.
When he was approached by police, Williams "spontaneously" told the officer that he is "working with a 'student' through his church," and that the student is "struggling with same-sex attraction." He told the officer he was "concerned" for this student's wellbeing.
The church referenced is Celebration Church, where Williams was a volunteer youth leader. However, the church said he was relinquished of his duties in 2021. There is no indication in the report that the crimes he is accused of committing in 2023 have any relation to his time working with the church in 2021.
Statement from the church:
“Mr. Williams has not been an active member or volunteer at Celebration Church since November 2021. He has never been employed by Celebration Church or licensed as a pastor.”
Williams has a total bond of $1,200,018.
