Meet Leslie Williams, a man who apparently took “love thy neighbor” and gave it a very creative interpretation. The author of “Love Her Like This” is now making headlines for something a little less romantic and a lot more illegal: having multiple wives. Yes, plural: as in more than one, as in, sir, what?
According to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, Williams was arrested near his home in The Villages. And if you’ve heard of The Villages, you already know it’s not your average quiet retirement spot. It’s more like spring break, but with golf carts and early bedtimes. Now add a bigamy arrest to the mix, and things just got even more interesting.
Authorities say Williams, 62, had an outstanding warrant from Georgia, where he’s wanted on bigamy charges. That warrant was issued back on April 3. So yes, this wasn’t exactly a last-minute surprise. More like a slow-burning scandal that finally hit the fan.
He was picked up by deputies and is currently being held without bond at the Sumter County Detention Center. No quick exit, no “I’ll be back for Sunday service.” Just a one-way ticket to a holding cell while he waits to be sent back to Georgia.
While details of Williams’ first marriage remain unclear, he shared on Facebook in December that he got married to a woman named Cindi in a post that garnered a plethora of comments congratulating the bride and groom.
“Wow I thought you were already married. Congratulations!!” one comment on the post said.
“Love is in the air! Mr. and Mrs. Williams!” said another.
Days later, the pastor praised his new wife in another post and said, “Thanks for all the wonderful comments referencing my saved, beautiful and talented wife, Mrs. Williams! She’s saved for real, praise God!!!”
Williams also posted a selfie that same week which received a comment saying he looks “like a different man.”
“I am, my wife is an amazing woman, I feel the way I look! Thank you Sis!!!” the beaming groom responded.
At the end of the day, this story has everything: religion, romance, crime, and a retirement community that somehow keeps finding itself in the headlines. Honestly, all it’s missing is a Netflix deal.
Until then, one thing is clear: when it comes to relationships, maybe stick to one page at a time, not multiple chapters, not multiple books, and definitely not multiple wives.
