Image Credit: East TN Valley Crime Stoppers / X & Johnson City Police Department / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
The latest lawyer in a string of appointed attorneys for a serial rapist accused of child sex crimes says the court’s requested trial date of October 22 will not be a problem.
Knoxville attorney Mark Brown is the fifth lawyer that has been appointed to Sean Williams, 52, who is facing child pornography charges.
The first four appointed attorneys withdrew from the case, saying Williams created problems that made it virtually impossible to represent him.
In a status hearing on Monday, U.S. District Judge Ronnie Greer stated that October 22 “is in the court’s mind a firm trial date.”
“I’m going to do what the court asks me to do,” said Brown.
Williams is accused of three counts of enticing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct in order to manufacture child pornography. He faces a minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison for each count.
He was arrested on April 30, 2023 in Cullowhee, North Carolina, on drug charges. Police found that he had an outstanding warrant from 2021 for being a felon in possession of ammunition. At that time, Williams was transferred into federal custody.
Reports state that, at the time of his arrest in North Carolina, Williams had digital files showing over 50 alleged sexual assaults, including assaults against two children.
An initial trial date was set for early 2024, but the continual change of attorneys, along with a 5-week escape from federal prison in October 2023, forced that to be delayed. Greer is prepared to expedite the trial.
“Much of the delay in this case has been attributable to Mr. Williams,” Greer said Monday.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Swecker stated that all evidence had been handed over to Brown except for the photos and videos of the alleged assaults. Brown will have to view those in the presence of FBI agents.
Brown noted that he had not yet had a face-to-face meeting with Williams.
He also informed the court that he has a Friday meeting scheduled with an expert witness to assist in viewing the digital files against Williams.
Greer said he will be looking for frequent updates to ensure that the timeline was being met and to address any potential issues that could cause further delay.
For much more information about the charges brought against Williams and other acts he has been accused of click HERE.
