HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Nickerson man charged with three counts of sexual exploitation of a child was found “guilty” on all three counts Thursday afternoon.
Shanon Patrick Williams is now convicted for taking pictures of his autistic step-daughter who was 13 and 14 years old at the time of the crimes which included lewd close-ups of the child, some with clothing, but most without. The jury agreed with the states contention that he was trying trade the photos for other pornographic pictures and movies. The crimes allegedly occurring between September 13, 2011 and July 31, 2013.
Judge Trish Rose prior to closing arguments Thursday morning dropped two counts against Shanon Patrick Williams, that being the aggravated indecent liberties and indecent liberties charges. She said there was not sufficient corroborating evidence to back up his alleged confession to the acts. So, the jury was instructed to consider only three counts of sexual exploitation of a child, two of which are Jessica’s Law counts.
The jury got the case just after 10 a-m., after both sides gave their closing where District Attorney Keith Schroeder argued that he took the pictures of his autistic step-daughter and that he loaded them onto a Russian website where they were discovered. Schroeder says this was done for a reason to trade and share. He told the all male jury that these are not vacation photos or photos of the child playing soccer. He says the pictures say it all. Defense Attorney Kelly Driscoll told the jury that they admit some pictures were taken but that the child was over 14 at the time.
The jury had the verdict around 2:15 p.m.
Again, Williams was found guilty of the sexual exploitation charges and sentencing will be on May 15. They also scheduled a hearing for May 1 for defense post-trial motions.