GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Sean Williams, the man who sparked a month-long manhunt after escaping custody in October 2023, is now facing trial for child sex crimes.

The 55-year-old man led law enforcement on a manhunt after he escaped from custody while being transported from Laurel County, Kentucky, to Greeneville, Tennessee.

He was later taken into custody and charged with three federal counts of child sex offenses. Specifically, court documents said he had several images and videos of minors he molested in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Williams’ case took several turns. Beyond his alleged crimes and escape, the case also sparked a lawsuit against Johnson City, which claimed police officers knew about his crimes but never charged him. The department denied the allegations.

Previous coverage: Federal lawsuit alleges Johnson City officers received payments to keep sex offender suspect out of jail

CBS affiliate WJHL reported that Williams almost signed on the dotted line of a plea deal, but changed his mind at the last minute.

Williams is currently expected to go on trial starting Wednesday.

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