Image Credit: East TN Valley Crime Stoppers / X & Canva
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Sean Williams, a Johnson City businessman accused of over 50 sexual assaults including child rape and child pornography, petitioned to have certain evidence excluded from his trial, but the motion was denied by a federal judge in a 17-page opinion.
Williams’ fifth appointed defense attorney, Mark Brown, argued that a search of Williams’ car conducted by Western Carolina University (WCU) Police, which resulted in a seizure of drugs and other materials, lacked probable cause therefore violating his constitutional rights as he had not yet been formally arrested or read his rights.
This initial discovery and seizure allowed WCU police to attain several warrants which ultimately lead to the seizure of more drugs, including methamphetamine and cocaine, and video and photo evidence allegedly showing Williams raping or sexually assaulting over 60 women.
Despite Brown’s claims of constitutional violations, federal judge Ronnie Greer rejected the attorney’s contentions and maintained there was sufficient evidence that the warrantless search did meet probable cause standards due to the “totality of the circumstances”.
Greer wrote, “The totality of the circumstances, in the United States’s view, show that Officer Gooden and his fellow officers had probable cause for the initial search of Mr. Williams’s vehicle based on four objective facts leading up the search, ‘even without Williams’ admission’ that he had drugs in the vehicle.”
Had the ruling been in Williams’ favor, it could have seriously impacted the prosecution’s case as much of its basis rests upon the evidence Williams wished to have suppressed.
Williams was initially apprehended in Florida after escaping police custody in Tennessee and faced an initial trial on escape charges in July where he represented himself after four appointed attorneys withdrew from the case. Williams was found guilty on one of two escape charges and faces a maximum of 5 years in prison on that count, but sentencing is not scheduled until November 18.
Additionally, several lawsuits have been leveled against the Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) amongst accusations the department did not properly investigate claims against Williams or mishandled reports made by his victims.
One of the suits was approved as a class action lawsuit earlier this year while others allege bribery and corruption amongst the JCPD resulted in William’s protection rather than prosecution.
The trial is scheduled to begin November 12, where Williams will stand against three federal charges relating to sexual conduct with minors and manufacturing child pornography. He faces up to 30 years for each charge.
The Tennessee Conservative has reported extensively on this matter and will continue to monitor the case to provide updates.
Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
