Guilty Verdict for Former Warner Robins Councilman John Williams

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that John F. Williams, a formerly elected member of Warner Robins City Council, was found guilty after a three-day jury trial on all counts of the indictment charging extortion under color of official right, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951(a); false statements to a federal agency, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 1001; and tampering with a witness, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1512(b)(3).

Count one of the indictment alleged that John F. Williams did knowingly and intentionally attempt to obstruct and affect, in any way and degree, commerce and the movement of articles and commodities in commerce by extortion; that is, Williams unlawfully obtained property from another person in the form of $1,720 not otherwise due to him and as a commission in relation to the sale of a vehicle to the Warner Robins Police Department. The maximum penalty for count one is 20 years’ imprisonment; a $250,000 fine; three years’ supervised release; and a $100 mandatory assessment fee.

Count two of the indictment alleged that John F. Williams did knowingly and willfully make a materially false statement to the Federal Bureau of Investigation concerning the sale of the vehicle to the Warner Robins Police Department, stating that he received no payment of money in relation to the sale of the vehicle, when, in truth and fact, Williams received a payment of $1,720 in relation to the sale. The maximum penalty for count two is five years’ imprisonment; a $250,000 fine; three years’ supervised release; and a $100 mandatory assessment fee.

Count three of the indictment alleged that John F. Williams attempted to corruptly persuade another person with intent to hinder, delay, and prevent that person from communicating to a law enforcement officer facts regarding the sale of the vehicle. The maximum penalty for count three is 20 years’ imprisonment; a $250,000 fine; three years’ supervised release; and a $100 mandatory assessment fee.

“The public deserves to be able to have confidence in their elected officials. Public corruption cases are a priority of my office, and we will pursue those officials who, while violating the law, violate their duties to the people they serve,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.

Sentencing will be scheduled by the court. The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul McCommon.