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Tuesday, March 19, 2024
HomeNewsFormer Tennessee State Trooper Wade Williams pleads Guilty to Criminal Charges

Former Tennessee State Trooper Wade Williams pleads Guilty to Criminal Charges

Tennessee Department of SafetyNashville, TN – The District Attorney for the 13th Judicial District has informed the Department of Safety and Homeland Security that former state trooper Wade Williams pleaded guilty today to five criminal counts stemming from a sexual assault investigation.

Williams pleaded guilty to two (2) counts of aggravated statutory rape, two (2) counts of attempt to commit especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, and one (1) count of sexual exploitation of a minor. Williams was sentenced as a “child sexual predator” on the aggravated statutory rape charges. The total sentence is an effective eight years with two years being served day for day. Williams would be eligible for parole after serving 30 percent of the remainder of the sentence.

Williams waived his right to a criminal indictment last April and was formally charged by a criminal information in Pickett County. The charges were the result of an investigation conducted by the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s Criminal Investigation Division and District Attorney General Randy York’s office. The case originated from a complaint received and initially investigated internally by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s Investigative Services Bureau.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol terminated Williams in January. Williams resigned in lieu of termination and waived his right to any civil service appeals.

“The guilty plea entered today by former state trooper Wade Williams brings closure to this unfortunate incident and, hopefully, some relief for the victim and the victim’s family. Williams has been sentenced accordingly, he will serve time in prison, and will be placed on the sex offender registry. The actions of Wade Williams do not represent the men and women of the Tennessee Highway Patrol and all those who put their lives on the line to serve and protect the citizens of Tennessee. No one is above the law, and this type of behavior will not be tolerated by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security,” Commissioner Bill Gibbons said.

About the Tennessee Department of Safety

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public.  The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.

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