WR Councilman Williams charged in cell phone incident

Councilman John Williams was charged Wednesday night in connection with an incident that involved the apparent theft of his cell phone.

According to a Warner Robins Police Department news release, Williams was charged with tampering with evidence, making a false statement, false report of a crime and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He turned himself in at 6:15 p.m. and was released on his own recognizance from the Houston County Jail on Wednesday night, the release stated.

Warner Robins police officials said evidence collected throughout the investigation was transferred to the Houston County Magistrate Court on Tuesday afternoon.

Williams called authorities Sunday to report the theft of his cell phone. Officials said several inconsistencies were discovered in the course of the police investigation.

Williams responded by e-mail to a police department release Tuesday evening, accusing two officers of “verbal abuse and accusations” after they located his cell phone. He said during Monday night’s council meeting that Lt. Billy Styles, among other things, accused him of trying to frame a homeless person for stealing the phone.

Williams also took aim at other members of the department, including Chief of Police Brett Evans. He claimed that he was being retaliated against for a number of reasons, including his stance on the proposed law enforcement center and for attending a grand jury hearing earlier this month looking into unauthorized entry into the mayor’s office in October.

Warner Robins police officials declined to comment further Tuesday, citing the fact that the investigation is ongoing.

To contact writer Marlon A. Walker, call 256-9685.

This story was originally published June 24, 2010 at 12:00 AM with the headline "WR Councilman Williams charged in cell phone incident."