As jury selection began Tuesday morning in the case of a former teacher assistant charged with sex offenses, the defendant decided to plead no contest.
Donald Williams, 50, of Statesville, will serve a minimum of 7.5 years and a maximum of nearly 10 years with credit for the close to three years he spent awaiting trial.
Williams pleaded no contest, which means he doesn't admit guilt but acknowledges there is evidence to find him guilty, to one count of second-degree forcible sexual offense. An additional five counts were dismissed when Williams entered the plea Tuesday and a seventh count was dismissed prior to the start of court Tuesday.
Williams' defense attorney, Ken Darty, made a motion to dismiss the charges Monday on the basis that his client's right to a speedy trial was violated.
Judge Joe Crosswhite denied that motion Tuesday morning, and a potential panel of eight men and four women were called into the jury box before Darty asked to approach the bench and informed Crosswhite that his client wanted to enter a plea.
For more on this story see Wednesday's Record & Landmark.
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