Tennessee

Tennessee officers accused of shielding a man committing sex crimes. Police deny extortion

Published

3 weeks ago

May 31, 2024

Tennessee officers accused of shielding a man committing sex crimes. Police deny extortion

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A federal lawsuit claims police officers took thousands of dollars from a businessman in their Tennessee city in exchange for obstructing efforts to investigate allegations that he was sexually assaulting multiple women for years. The police department has denied any wrongdoing.

The extortion claim involving several Johnson City Police officers appears in court filings from a federal lawsuit accusing building contractor Sean Williams — who is now in custody on state and federal criminal charges — of drugging and raping women in the East Tennessee community from 2018 to 2021 while police did little to investigate him.

There was “either an implied or explicit agreement” that the officers would shield Williams, “permitting him to continue his criminal activities of abuse and trafficking with impunity,” say lawyers for nine women, listed as Jane Does 1-9, who are suing the city.

These plaintiffs raised the extortion claims months ago, but their May 14 filing makes the claims more explicit by alleging that banking documents back the assertions. The same lawyers also revealed, in April, that they have provided hundreds of pages of information for a federal public corruption investigation of the police department.

Williams awaits trial on state charges including child rape, aggravated sexual battery and especially aggravated sexual exploitation, and federal charges including three counts of production of child sexual abuse material and one count of distribution of cocaine. He’s also charged with escape, after authorities said he kicked the window out of a federal transport van and was caught in Florida more than a month later.

The law firm representing Williams did not immediately respond to a request for comment emailed by The Associated Press.

Erick Herrin, an attorney for the city and multiple officers who were sued, said all the defendants deny the allegations, but court rules limit what else he can say. In a statement, the city said it would welcome an investigation.

“There has been no evidence presented to support allegations of corruption by the Johnson City Police Department, and we welcome any investigation that could dispel such claims,” the city said.

The May 14 filing claims Williams’ business partner, referred to as Female 4, opened shell companies disguised as subcontractors and transferred thousands of dollars from Williams’ business, Glass and Concrete Contracting LLC. The money was laundered so she could take “owner draws” to pay $2,000 a week to some Johnson City Police officers, who had also seized cash from Williams’ safe, the document alleges.

The plaintiffs point to bank records, saying that for instance, during a two-week period in June 2022, Female 4 withdrew nearly $30,000 in cash from the company’s account. They say the woman appears to have withdrawn no more than $10,000 per day, “likely in an effort to evade mandatory suspicious activity.”

In a filing in March, the plaintiffs said Williams himself described the extortion in a message from jail in September 2023. They say he used a contraband cellphone to send the messages to a coconspirator who then posted them on Facebook. One mentioned weekly payments of $2,000 to officers using fraudulent 1099 tax documents and “forged owner draws.”

In a court filing in response, Female 4’s attorney said her communications with Williams have been infrequent since their personal relationship ended in 2017. The filing says the Facebook post was made by “someone using the name of Sean Williams” and says she has no relevant knowledge about the allegations and doesn’t have any relevant documents.

The attorney for Female 4 did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

The local district attorney, who is prosecuting Tennessee’s charges against Williams, declined to comment on the extortion accusations, citing an ongoing investigation, and didn’t specify whether or not they’re looking into extortion claims.

The lawsuits say Williams’ crimes continued even after Jane Doe 1 survived a fall from the window of his fifth story apartment in September 2020. Officers investigating the fall found ample evidence of sexual assaults in his apartment, including a list of names labeled “Raped.” Even when that woman went public, Williams’ identity was protected as “Robert Voe.”

Kateri Lynne Dahl, a former special prosecutor in the East Tennessee U.S. attorney’s office, was brought in as a liaison with city authorities. She also filed a federal lawsuit against the city. She says she gathered substantial evidence that Williams had been dealing drugs and was credibly accused of sexually assaulting and raping multiple women, but the police refused to investigate further, and botched her effort to arrest him on an April 2021 federal felon-possessing-ammunition charge, letting him flee.

The city rebutted Dahl’s claims in a statement that pointed to prosecutorial delays.

Williams wasn’t arrested until April 2023, when a campus police officer in North Carolina found him asleep in his car and learned of the federal warrant. An affidavit says a search of the car found — along with drugs and about $100,000 in cash — digital storage devices with more than 5,000 images of child sexual abuse as well as photos and videos of 52 female victims being sexually assaulted by Williams at his Johnson City apartment while they were in an “obvious state of unconsciousness.”

Many of the videos were stored in labeled folders, and at least a half-dozen names on the folders were consistent with first names on the “Raped” list found in his apartment two and a half years earlier, the affidavit states.

Meanwhile, public outcry over the police response to complaints from a growing number of women prompted the city in the summer of 2022 to order an outside investigation into how officers handled sexual assault investigations. And in November 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation opened a federal sex trafficking investigation.

Findings from the city’s third-party audit, released in 2023, include that police conducted inconsistent, ineffective and incomplete investigations; relied on inadequate record management; had insufficient training and policies, and sometimes showed issues with gender-based stereotypes and bias.

The city said it began improving the department’s performance while awaiting the audit’s findings, including following the district attorney’s new sexual assault investigation protocol; reviewing investigative policies and procedures; creating a “comfortable space” for victim interviews and increasing funding for officer training and a new records management system.

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Tennessee Baseball vs. Texas A&M In College World Series Finals: How To Watch, Preview | Rocky Top Insider

Published

3 hours ago

June 22, 2024

Press Room

Tennessee Baseball vs. Texas A&M In College World Series Finals: How To Watch, Preview | Rocky Top Insider

Tennessee baseball is looking for its first National Championship in program history as it prepares to face conference foe Texas A&M at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.

The Vols and Aggies have both been ranked in the nation’s top five since early in the conference season an are looking to conclude the season with the ultimate prize.

Here’s how to watch and everything else to know about the College World Series Final Series.

Texas A&M swept its way for the first half of the College World Series. The Aggies prevailed out of the SEC heavy side of the bracket with two wins over Florida (3-2, 6-0) bookending a 5-1 win over Kentucky.

Tennessee swept it way through the first half of the College World Series too. The Vols used a ninth inning comeback to defeat Florida State 12-11 in their opener before defeating North Carolina 6-1 and Florida State, again, 7-2 to advance to the finals.

Probable Pitching Matchups

*Both teams have only announced their game one starters

Game One: LHP Chris Stamos (3-0, 4.26 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 31.2 IP, 16 BB, 35 K) vs. LHP Ryan Prager (9-1, 2.88 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 93.2 IP, 118 K, 20 BB)

Game Two: RHP Drew Beam (9-2, 4.30 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 98.1 IP, 92 K, 25 BB) vs. TBD

Game Three: LHP Zander Sechrist (5-1, 3.22 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 72.2 IP, 69 K, 15 BB) vs. TBD

Everything Tony Vitello Said About The Aggies

On Texas A&M and its style of play

“As far as your one question, I think this is a series, SEC series that did not happen during the regular season, obviously. But I don’t mean to speak for anybody else. Both sides are probably pretty happy it’s at a neutral site. Their place has their own unique brand, how they do things. And you’d be remiss if you didn’t say it gets rowdy in that ballpark.

And then, I guess, you’re only as good as your last game, so to speak. That Evansville game that Zander pitched in was absolutely bananas with our fans. Maybe it’s best that it’s on a neutral site.”

On what they learned about Texas A&M by playing them in the SEC Tournament

“I was asked — I’ll lead because I was just asked that question on the radio and how much value does that game have. And unfortunately, not a whole lot because we’re, for whatever reason, able to edge them out on that particular day, but we don’t get any runs for that on the scoreboard.

And I think everyone who has ever competed in that tournament loves it. It’s hard to put into words quickly how awesome that event is and how well they do running it.

But, again, every SEC coach and player knows there’s a different vibe to each day and how you approach that tournament is unique for each team. So to recall on that game, maybe you look at some match-ups that occurred or something like that. I don’t think it carries a lot of weight.”

On Texas A&M’s pitching staff over the course of CWS

“In that particular instance, looking around the locker room, you’re looking at all kinds of guys. I’m reflecting back there — just talking about our group being good about competing against anybody. But obviously you get into match-ups with our lineup.

It’s like, man, Florida State and then Florida’s younger guys are getting more experience, which A&M shut them down. And you’ve got the most dangerous guy, him and Charlie, you know, I don’t include our players in any of that, and Cags. So they’re capable of shutting down anybody.

Then, again, you get to this point, every lineup, I feel like ours and theirs, can get you at any one spot. There’s a lot of uniqueness to each lineup, too, where there’s a variety of ways they can get you. I feel we’re included in that group.

But we’ll have to go up against Prager. It will be the second time. And he’s given a lot of people fits, either a lot of strikes out of him, but also gets guys to chase out of the zone a little bit.

At this point in our league or the ACC, too, you’ve got about as much experience as you are going to have. He’s already thrown on the mound out there.

It’s up to us to put our best foot forward or put ourselves forward and stay true to who we are. And he’ll be trying to do the same thing. Then you look at the guys who will be available afterwards — or better yet look at the way they’ve gone to the bullpen in the postseason — he’s not afraid to go to the bullpen early because he knows he’s got weapons down there.”

Bats To Know

Tennessee:

2B Christian Moore — .385/.460/.816, 33 HR, 54 EBH, 73 RBI, 36 BB, 45 K

1B Blake Burke — .382/.453/.713, 20 HR, 49 EBH, 60 RBI, 34 BB, 44 K

LF Dylan Dreiling — .329/.453/.679, 20 HR, 40 EBH, 68 RBI, 52 BB, 59 K

RF Kavares Tears — .329/.436/.672, 20 HR, 36 EBH, 61 RBI, 45 BB, 67 K

3B Billy Amick — .313/.392/.663, 23 HR, 38 EBH, 65 RBI, 27 BB, 48 K

Texas A&M:

RF Jace LaViolette — .306/.450/.734, 28 HR, 47 EBH, 77 RBI, 61 BB, 77 K

3B Gavin Grahovac — .303/.398/.601, 22 HR, 37 EBH, 64 RBI, 64 BB, 90 K

C Jackson Appel — .321/.414/.513, 10 HR, 26 EBH, 40 RBI, 32 BB, 32 K, 15 SB

DH Hayden Schott — .333/.421/.502, 8 HR, 24 EBH, 61 RBI, 34 BB, 53 K

1B Ted Burton — .292/.450/.500, 9 HR, 23 EBH, 44 RBI, 50 BB, 50 K

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No. 3 Aggies Set to Battle No. 1 Tennessee for National Championship

Published

10 hours ago

June 21, 2024

Press Room

No. 3 Aggies Set to Battle No. 1 Tennessee for National Championship

OMAHA – The No. 3 Texas A&M baseball team looks to capture its first College World Series title in program history as they face off against No. 1 Tennessee in a best-of-three series starting Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. from Charles Schwab Field.

Game one of the series will air on ESPN, while Sunday’s game will be broadcast on ABC at 1 p.m. Monday’s ‘if necessary’ game is scheduled for 6 p.m. on ESPN. The championship series can also be heard locally on Sports Radio 1150AM/93.7 The Zone. Fans can also follow along with the games on X, @AggieBaseball.

The Aggies (52-13) punched their ticket to the championship series for the first time in program history after blanking Florida 6-0 Wednesday night. The shutout marked the squad’s first-ever at the College World Series and nation-leading 12th of the season, which matched the 1990 team for the most in program history. In the win, the Aggie pitching staff totaled 14 strikeouts to up their season total to 680, which is a program record.

The victory marked the 52nd of the season for the Maroon & White, which is the most since 1999 and tied for third in school annals. The squad’s three wins at the College World Series are the most in program history.

Saturday’s championship series opener marks the 22nd meeting all-time and second this season between the Aggies and Volunteers (58-12). The Maroon & White lead the series 11-10 and are 2-1 in a neutral venue against Tennessee.

Under Head Coach Jim Schlossnagle, Texas A&M is 17-4 in the postseason and 5-2 at the College World Series. The five wins at the Greatest Show on Dirt are the most by any head coach in program history. Prior to the 2022 College World Series, the Maroon & White had only won two games in Omaha.

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Men’s College World Series Finals predictions, odds for Tennessee vs. Texas A&M Game 1

Published

17 hours ago

June 21, 2024

Press Room

Men’s College World Series Finals predictions, odds for Tennessee vs. Texas A&M Game 1

Sixty-four teams entered the NCAA Division I baseball tournament. Only two remain.

The Tennessee Volunteers and Texas A&M Aggies will face off in the Men’s College World Series Finals after dominating their respective brackets. From regionals to super regionals to the eight-team field in Omaha, there has been only one loss between the two teams since the start of the Division I tournament in late May – an Evansville upset of Tennessee in Game 2 of their super regional.

Now, college baseball’s two hottest teams will face off in the best-of-3 series to decide the championship.

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The two teams met previously this postseason during the SEC Tournament. The Vols took that one, 7-4, and went on to win the tournament and take the undisputed conference title.

Tennessee vs. Texas A&M Game 1 predictions

Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee 8, Texas A&M 6

Mike Wilson writes: “The Vols have that feeling of being an unstoppable force since the ninth inning against Florida State in their CWS opener. That isn’t stopping now in the finals.”

“

SB Nation: Tennessee win in three games

“Watching the entire Men’s College World Series this year, you get the sense that today’s game is about what you can do at the plate. While both teams have potent lineups, Tennessee does have an advantage at the dish.

This is likely a series that goes the entire three games, and when all is said and done, the Volunteers will take home the title.”

COLLEGE WORLD SERIES: Tickets are on sale for the finals. See how much they cost

Tennessee vs. Texas A&M: Odds, spread and lines for Men’s College World Series Finals

The Volunteers are favored to win Game 1 of the MCWS Finals, according to the BetMGM college baseball odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering 2024 sports betting promos.

Odds listed as of Thursday.

Moneyline: Tennessee (-160); Texas A&M (+125)

Tennessee vs. Texas A&M: How to watch Game 1 of the Men’s College World Series Finals

Date: Saturday, June 22
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Charles Schwab Field, Omaha, Nebraska
Cable TV: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN+; YouTube TV; fuboTV

HOW TO WATCH: Catch the Men’s College World Series Finals with a subscription to ESPN+

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