Introduction to the Case
A Dallas County judge has delayed the trial of a former Dallas police officer, Tyrone Williams Jr., who is accused of sexually assaulting underage girls. The trial was initially scheduled to start on Monday morning but has been postponed. A new trial date has not been set yet.
Background Information
Williams, 52, faces two counts of sexual assault of a child. One count is tied to allegations of assaults in 2011, and the other is from 2021. Each count is a second-degree felony, carrying a possible sentence of two to 20 years in prison. Williams’ attorney, Scottie Allen, did not return messages seeking comment on Monday.
The Postponement
The postponement comes after prosecutors filed a motion last week seeking to reschedule the trial. They told Judge Hector Garza that the lead detective in the case was not available to attend. This development has led to the delay in the trial, and a new date will be set in the future.
Arrests and Accusations
Police have arrested Williams twice: once in June 2021 for the allegation that year and again in May 2022 for the incident in 2011. At the time of the second arrest, Allen described Williams’ accusers as being "severely troubled youth with a myriad of disciplinary and mental health issues." Allen also wrote in a prepared statement, "What’s even more troubling than their stories is the fact that there are those who would use them for profit and to vindicate their petty politics. We look forward to bringing this case before the proper tribunal as quickly as possible for full and complete vindication."
Details of the Cases
The 2021 case is tied to an incident at Williams’ South Oak Cliff home, where he was accused of assaulting a girl whose parents he was friends with. The parents then contacted the authorities to report him. In the 2011 case, Williams was accused of assaulting a teenage girl for about seven months. He was friends with the girl’s mother, and he and another officer "recovered her" after she ran away from home and was found at a motel, according to an arrest-warrant affidavit.
Victim of Sex Trafficking
The girl in the 2011 case was a victim of sex trafficking. Police arrested her trafficker, who was convicted on a charge of prostitution of a child and sentenced to 12 years in prison, according to the affidavit. This highlights the complexity and severity of the case, involving not just the alleged actions of Williams but also the broader issue of sex trafficking.
Indictments and Employment History
A Dallas County grand jury handed up indictments for both cases in March 2023. Williams joined the Dallas police department in 2009 and was last assigned to the South Central patrol division. He resigned from the department in early October 2022 while on leave during an ongoing internal affairs investigation, according to employment records reviewed by The News.
Conclusion
The delay in the trial of Tyrone Williams Jr. due to the unavailability of the lead detective underscores the complexities and challenges in bringing such cases to justice. The allegations against Williams are serious, involving the sexual assault of underage girls over a period of years. The case also intersects with issues of sex trafficking, highlighting the need for comprehensive investigations and support for victims. As the legal process unfolds, it is crucial to prioritize the rights and well-being of all parties involved, particularly the alleged victims.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against Tyrone Williams Jr.?
A: Williams faces two counts of sexual assault of a child, each being a second-degree felony that could result in a sentence of two to 20 years in prison.
Q: Why was the trial postponed?
A: The trial was postponed because the lead detective in the case was not available to attend, as stated by prosecutors in a motion to reschedule the trial.
Q: What is known about the victims in the case?
A: The victims are underage girls, with one case from 2011 involving a girl who was also a victim of sex trafficking, and another from 2021 involving a girl whose parents were friends with Williams.
Q: What is the current status of Tyrone Williams Jr. in relation to the police department?
A: Williams resigned from the Dallas police department in early October 2022, while he was on leave during an internal affairs investigation.
Q: When were the indictments handed up?
A: A Dallas County grand jury handed up indictments for both cases in March 2023.
