Huntsville Man Charged with Sexual Abuse of Minor

BIRMINGHAM – A federal grand today indicted a 45-year-old Huntsville man on charges he sexually abused a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and FBI Special Agent in Charge Roger C. Stanton.

An indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges WILLIAM MAURICE PATTERSON with four counts of engaging in a sexual act with a girl who was between 12 and 16 years old. The indictment charges the abusive conduct occurred between July 1, 2015, and Jan. 4, 2016, within the jurisdiction of Redstone Arsenal.

Each count of sexual abuse of a minor carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The FBI and U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Stuart Burrell is prosecuting.

An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed guilty unless and until proven guilty.