A former Louisiana police officer convicted of raping children as young as eight will undergo castration in addition to serving three life sentences. Kedreyon K. Williams, 31, was sentenced after being found guilty of a series of offences against children aged between eight and 11.
Prosecutor demands extra punishment
District Attorney Tony Clayton described Williams as a "child predator" and said the additional punishment was more than deserved. "He performed disgusting acts on children who could not defend themselves," Clayton said. "He is a child predator and he deserves exactly what he is getting and more. The castration is another layer of punishment for these horrendous crimes. If a man takes sexual advantage of a child, and we will take his manhood."
Clayton added: "We hope the families know that justice was served here and have some comfort in knowing he will never be able to prey on any children again."
Crimes at fire stations and home
Williams, who also worked as a volunteer firefighter, carried out some of the abuse at fire stations where he volunteered, as well as at his workplace and home. He was found guilty of three counts of first-degree rape of juveniles, indecent behaviour with a juvenile and possession of pornography involving juveniles following a trial at the 18th Judicial District Court in New Roads in October.
The court heard how Williams raped children and forced them to perform sexual acts on him at several locations, including New Roads fire stations.
Investigation and sentencing
The investigation began when the mother of one of the victims contacted police after her child revealed information about the abuse. Officers subsequently uncovered further victims as their investigation widened, while a video on his mobile phone showed a child being sexually abused by him.
At sentencing, District Judge Kevin Kimball described Williams' offences as the "worst case" of child sexual abuse he had ever encountered. Although first-degree rape already carries a mandatory life sentence in Louisiana, Clayton pushed for an additional punishment by filing a motion requesting castration. Louisiana law allows castration to be imposed for certain serious sexual offences against children, although the district attorney's announcement did not specify whether Williams would undergo chemical or surgical castration.
