HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Nickerson man convicted for three counts of sexual exploitation of child was given two consecutive life sentences on two of the three charges.
Reno County District Judge Trish Rose also sentenced Shanon Patrick Williams Friday to another 41-months for the third count. She rejected the defense request for a judgment of acquittal and a new trial. She also denied a downward departure request calling the acts of Williams, “an extreme form of child abuse.”
Williams was found guilty by a Reno County jury for taking pictures of his autistic step-daughter who was 13 and 14 years old at the time of the crimes. That 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.
Defense Attorney Kelly Driscoll in making the argument for the departure told the judge that her client’s wife and even the victim were in court during the trial to support him and that he was under the influence of alcohol. District Attorney Keith Schroeder commented that this was never brought up at trial.
Family members prior to sentencing called the life sentences unfair, but Schroeder noted to the court, the life sentences called for with the charges are the law of the land and was passed by the Kansas Legislature and signed by former Governor Kathleen Sebelius. He says this isn’t Keith Schroeder’s law, its the law in the state of Kansas. He told the judge that they both have an obligation to uphold that law.
Williams pleaded with the court for leniency saying he’s done a lot of good things in life and admitted to everyone of what he had done. He apologized to the court and his family. He says was cooperative with law enforcement. He says he was under the influence of alcohol.
But, the judge went with what the law called for and handed down the harsh sentences.