GREENEVILLE, Tenn. — A federal jury in Greeneville found a former Johnson City businessman guilty on three child pornography charges Thursday.
Sean Williams was found guilty on three federal charges of enticing minors into sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of manufacturing child pornography. The jury deliberated for just 30 minutes.
Each count carries a sentencing range of 15 to 30 years in prison. He's scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 24 at 9 a.m. At the sentencing, he will also be sentenced for the escape charge he was found guilty of in July. His attorney Mark Brown will represent him in both sentencings. He will remain in the custody of U.S. Marshals.
Victims were seen crying and hugging family members following the reading of the verdict. They also hugged and thanked prosecutors and investigators.
Williams was fairly emotionless while the verdict was read but was fidgeting and taking deep breaths.
Back in July, a jury found Williams guilty of escaping a prisoner transport van by kicking out the window. He was caught in Florida a month later.
He was also offered a plea deal in that case but changed his mind because he didn’t like the wording. Williams represented himself in the trial.
A federal lawsuit claims Johnson City police officers took thousands of dollars from Williams in exchange for obstructing efforts to investigate allegations that he was sexually assaulting multiple women for years. The police department has denied any wrongdoing.
Williams also awaits trial on state charges including child rape, aggravated sexual battery and especially aggravated sexual exploitation.