GREENEVILLE, Tenn. — Sean Williams appeared before a judge for the first time on Thursday, nearly two months after escaping custody on sex crime charges.
The U.S. Marshal Service said Williams returned to the Blount County Jail this Tuesday. David Jolley, a U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Tennessee, said Williams tried to take his own life less than 75 minutes after arriving at the Blount County Jail. He said the quick action by the medical team and frequent checks at the Blount County Jail likely saved Williams' life.
"It happened extremely quick," Jolley said. "He needs to face these victims, he needs to face these charges."
In court on Thursday, Williams appeared with a bandage on his neck on the left side. His legs were shackled, his wrists cuffed. He wore the standard issue gray striped jumpsuit with orange slippers, for inmates in Blount County.
"We definitely did have a heavy security presence around Williams today," Jolley said. "We didn't want anything to go awry."
U.S. Magistrate Judge Cynthia Wyrick asked Williams if he had any mental or physical health conditions that would prevent him from understanding the hearing.
"I haven't slept in four days but I believe I am competent," Williams said.
Judge Wyrick first asked the prosecutors and everybody in the gallery, including reporters, to leave the courtroom for a sealed hearing. Williams' previous attorney Bryce W. McKenzie asked to be removed from the case. Judge Wyrick replaced him with Greeneville Attorney Joseph McAfee.
Williams is facing two charges for two separate attempted escapes from custody. On July 23, 2023, prosecutors said he tried to escape the Washington County Detention Center. In October, prosecutors said Williams successfully escaped the Laurel County Detention Center. He was taken into custody more than a month later.
Prosecutors asked Judge Wyrick to merge the two escape charges, which she did. She asked Williams if he understood he faced five years in prison for each count.
"Yup," he said.
Jolley said Williams is in Blount County Jail because it is a well-run facility.
"They're one of the best we work with," Jolley said.
Williams is facing a charge of sexual exploitation of children. Judge Wyrick set the trial for that charge on March 26, 2024. His trial on the escape counts is set for March 19.