Years after it allegedly occurred, a man accused of repeatedly abusing the younger sister of a former girlfriend has been arrested.
Johnathan Edward Williams, 34, denied any wrongdoing in an interview with Bowie County Sheriff’s Office investigators in February. But the girl, now in her 20s, and a childhood friend who allegedly witnessed misconduct, claim Williams is guilty of sexually abusing a child.
The alleged victim and her friend reported the abuse Feb. 1 to staff at the Domestic Violence Prevention center in Texarkana, according to a probable cause affidavit. About a week later, the two women were interviewed by a BCSO investigator.
The alleged victim stated Williams touched her inappropriately on multiple occasions betweeen 2000 and 2006. She alleged the first incident occurred at a home in Maud, Texas, owned by a member of Williams’ family.
“I was there to swim with his little brothers and family. Before I was allowed to go out to the swimming pool, he took me into his bedroom and took pictures of me both clothed and being unclothed,” the affidavit states. “I was between 7 and 10 years old. I was wearing a rainbow bathing suit and complaining that I wanted to join the others outside to swim.”
The affidavit alleges abuse also occurred at an address in Texarkana, Texas and at another Maud location. The alleged victim reported that Williams warned her that if she told, he would go to jail and her family would have problems.
Williams allegedly told the alleged victim that their “relationship” would be considered “normal” in other places and showed her internet web pages concerning the age of consent in other countries. The alleged victim’s friend reported being touched once by Williams inappropriately.
Williams is currently free on a $75,000 bond following an arrest by BCSO for continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14. The case has not yet been presented to a grand jury.
Williams appeared in court this week for a pre-indictment hearing before 202nd District Judge John Tidwell. He is set to appear before Tidwell again next month.