Copiah County, Miss. — Christopher Willett, a former pastor in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, is expected to plead guilty to multiple felony sex charges, including statutory rape, sexual battery, and incest, according to court filings and reports.
Willett, 48, previously served as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Crystal Springs before his arrest in March 2025. Authorities said the case began after allegations of abuse were reported to police, prompting an investigation that led to his arrest and subsequent indictment.
According to court records, the offenses outlined in the indictment occurred between September 2020 and December 2021. A grand jury later indicted Willett on charges of statutory rape, sexual battery, and incest—crimes that could have resulted in a life sentence if convicted at trial.
Under the terms of a plea agreement with the Copiah County District Attorney’s Office, prosecutors will recommend significant prison sentences for each count:
- 30 years for statutory rape (with five years suspended)
- 30 years for sexual battery (with five years suspended)
- 10 years for incest
The sentences would run concurrently, meaning Willett is expected to serve approximately 25 years in state prison if the agreement is approved by a judge.
In addition to prison time, Willett would be required to register as a sex offender and serve a period of supervised release after incarceration.
Investigators previously executed search warrants on Willett’s home and electronic devices as part of the case. He has remained in custody without bond since his arrest.
The church where Willett once served cut ties with him following his arrest, and denominational authorities suspended him from ministry while the criminal case proceeded.
A judge must formally accept the plea agreement before sentencing is finalized.
