A Forney man was charged Tuesday in the sexual assault of a child Monday morning near Poteet High School, police say.
Billy A. Williams was arrested after giving a full confession to police, according to a Mesquite Police Department news release.
Williams, 36, is charged with one count of sexual assault of a child, the release said. No bond information was released and it was not clear if Williams has obtained an attorney.
On Tuesday, Mesquite Police obtained two additional warrants for Williams for indecency with a child. They said the charges are related to a separate female who reached out due to recent news coverage and knew Williams through youth sports.
The Kaufman County Referees website listed Williams as president of the organization from 2016-2017. When reached via email, the organization said "The news of his arrest was a shock to all those who knew him as he was well respected within the community. Mr Williams is not the current president of our chapter and is no longer involved in our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with the young victim, her family and Mr Williams family."
According police, the child told officers she was walking near North Galloway Avenue and Town East Boulevard Monday morning when Williams pulled up and asked her if she would like a ride because of the cold weather. Police said the girl accepted the half-mile ride down the street.
When they arrived at her destination in the 3300 block of Poteet Drive, the girl told police that Williams sexually assaulted her.
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"At the conclusion of the ride when they reached their destination, our victim attempted to exit the vehicle and at that point was sexually assaulted," Mesquite police Lt. Stephen Biggs said. The girl, described as a minor under the age of 17, exited the vehicle and reported the incident to a witness, police said.
Investigators had released a picture taken from a nearby traffic camera of the suspect vehicle, a 2011 to 2014 black Chrysler 300. Police were unable to pin down a license plate number, but they hoped someone would recognize the vehicle.
Mesquite ISD sent a notice to families on Tuesday morning, asking parents to talk with their kids about being on alert.
Mesquite ISD strives to keep our families informed of any situation that might impact student safety. And we are vigilant in our efforts to determine the facts surrounding any safety situation so that we can provide you the most accurate information. It is with sad hearts we inform you that we have been notified that a person reported she was sexually assaulted after accepting a ride from a stranger yesterday.
The victim reported she was walking in the area of North Galloway Avenue and North Town East Blvd when the suspect vehicle pulled up alongside her. The driver asked if she would like a ride due to the cold weather. The victim willingly entered the vehicle and the driver pulled away. According to the victim, the driver sexually assaulted her. The victim notified an independent witness of the incident, who in turn called Mesquite Police.
The suspect is described as a light-complexion black male with a bald/shaved head. He was last seen wearing a black jacket and grey athletic style shorts. The suspect vehicle is a 2011-2014 Black Chrysler 300.
This reported situation provides a timely opportunity to remind your children about the possible dangers of accepting rides from strangers and to encourage them to always be aware of their surroundings.
Anyone with information about the identity of this suspect is asked to contact the Mesquite Police Department immediately at 972-285-6336.
