By By Tim Reeves, Clanton Advertiser
A former Flomaton Police Officer, with an extensive work record, now has a criminal record to boot following the issuing of three felony indictments by a Chilton County Grand Jury.
Scotty G. Williams, recently released from duty as an officer with the Clanton Police Department by the Clanton City Council, was indicted for first-degree sodomy, first-degree attempted sodomy and second-degree kidnapping.
Although the felonies allegedly took place while working for Clanton, Williams had worked with other area departments, including Flomaton, Selma, Millbrook, Tallassee, Elmore County Sheriff's Department and Prattville.
According to investigators, Williams is accused of forcing another man to have sexual activity and nearly forcing another, a 17-year-old boy at the time. The kidnapping charge comes from the incident involving the 17-year-old.
"If these allegations are true, and we believe they are so did the grand jury, then it is our goal to make sure he never works in law enforcement again," said District Attorney Randall Houston, who oversaw last week's grand jury proceedings in Clanton. "As a member of law enforcement he had tremendous power and this makes everyone in law enforcement look bad."
The entire process began when a Hispanic male filed a complaint with the Chilton County Sheriff's Department.
According to reports, the man was hitchhiking down Interstate-65 near Clanton, when Williams approached him in his patrol car. Williams offered the man a ride and a place to rest.
It was then that Williams allegedly took the man back to his trailer on Chilton County Road 448.
Houston said at that point, Williams undid his gun belt and uncovered his bottle of mace.
"This was a way to show a sense of power or force over the victim," Houston said. "We argue that it was sufficient to overcome any earnest resistance to prevent the sodomy."
The second victim mentioned in the indictment was involved in a traffic stop involving Williams.
"When Williams pulled the vehicle over the driver got out and ran, leaving the passenger," Houston said.
"Williams then placed the passenger into the police care under the pretense of looking for the driver."
Houston said the search for the driver ended up at Williams' trailer where he again made a pass.
"This victim was able to get out of the trailer and run away," Houston said.
Although the Chilton County Sheriff's Department Investigator, Lt. Jay Edwards would not comment on any discussions with the victims, he did say it was obvious they felt pressured due to the fact that Williams was a police officer.
"I think he [Williams], intentional or not, used the authority of a law enforcement officer," Edwards said. "As a result, the victims felt intimidated."
Once the first victim signed the complaint, the investigation was turned over to the Chilton County Sheriff's Department and the Alabama Bureau of Investigation. Since Williams was working for Clanton at the time of the report, the department could not participate.
According to Chilton County Sheriff Billy Wayne Fulmer, the Clanton Police Department cooperated fully in the investigation.
Clanton Chief of Police James Henderson refused to comment on the indictments.
Williams was issued the indictment on Monday and taken into custody by the sheriff's department. He was processed at the Chilton County Jail and has posted bond, which was $50,000.
The kidnapping charge stems from Williams taking the second victim to his trailer, under the pretense of searching for the driving suspect. The charge is a Class B felony and carries a sentence of 2-20 years. The attempted sodomy charge is also a Class B felony.
The first-degree sodomy charge carries a penalty between 10-99 years or life.
"I have been involved in law enforcement for a long time, as has my family, and I have always tried to do it in a professional manner," Fulmer said. "And, anything that shines a bad light on law enforcement, such as this, disturbs me greatly."
Williams will next be arraigned and then have a plea hearing. Houston was unsure of when the case may head to trial.
"The investigation is still ongoing and we are looking for information from the community," Fulmer said. "If anyone has information on these cases or any others, they can contact us directly or through our secret witness line at 755-7898."