COFFEE COUNTY, Ala. (WDNews) — A Coffee County man was sentenced to 40 years in prison Tuesday after pleading guilty to multiple charges involving the sexual abuse of a child, according to the Office of District Attorney James Tarbox.
Sean Williamson appeared in the Circuit Court of Coffee County on June 9 for a plea hearing on two counts of first-degree rape, two counts of first-degree sodomy and six counts of sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12. The state was represented by Assistant District Attorney Kylie Crespo, and Circuit Judge Henry “Sonny” Reagan presided over the proceedings.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, Williamson was accused of sexually abusing and assaulting the 9-year-old daughter of his then-girlfriend. The abuse was discovered when the child reported the incidents to her mother. The victim was later treated at a local hospital and interviewed at the Southeast Child Advocacy Center in Dothan.
Authorities said Williamson turned himself in to the Dothan Police Department and was later transferred to the custody of the Elba Police Department.
According to the release, investigators determined through interviews with the victim and Williamson that the abuse occurred over several months. Prosecutors said Williamson’s own statements helped establish that the abuse included multiple incidents.
Williamson had been held without bond under Aniah’s Law since his arrest.
As part of an agreement with the District Attorney’s Office, Williamson was sentenced to 40 years in the Alabama Department of Corrections. Officials said the sentence must be served day-for-day and is not eligible for parole or any type of early release.
Upon release, Williamson will be subject to 10 years of post-release supervision and will be required to comply with all provisions of the Alabama Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
District Attorney James Tarbox said the resolution of the case balanced the need for accountability with protecting the child victim from additional trauma.
“I was disgusted when I was originally called about his case and I remain disgusted at the conduct of Defendant Williamson and how he took advantage of a child that should have been able to trust him. I will never think that 40 years is enough for what he admitted to and has now entered a plea of guilty to, but I must also continue to consider the well-being of our minor child victim. She has been victimized enough and if our office can obtain a stiff sentence while ensuring she does not have to relive these horrific events in a courtroom full of strangers, I will make the decision to settle a case like this every time.”
The District Attorney’s Office thanked the Elba Police Department, Dothan Police Department and the Southeast Child Advocacy Center for their work investigating the case and helping bring it to a resolution.
