(CBS-DETROIT) – The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office has declined to file charges against Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams after a investigation into carrying a concealed weapon.
Officials say 23-year-old Williams and his brother, who were driving a black sedan, were stopped around 1 a.m. on Oct. 8 for suspected speeding and unsafe driving. The wide receiver’s brother told officers there were two guns in the vehicle. Williams’ brother reportedly showed police a valid Concealed Pistol License (CPL), as well as a driver’s license, proof of insurance and registration.
According to the prosecutor’s office, police found a gun registered to Williams on the front passenger floorboard. A second weapon was found on the floorboard behind the driver’s seat.
Williams was taken into custody for carrying a concealed weapon, but was later released at the scene when a Detroit Police Department supervisor arrived. His brother received a traffic fine.
During the investigation, the Public Prosecution Service said it could not find any other case where the following facts applied:
- The driver has a valid CPL.
- The driver/CPL holder informs the police at the scene that he is carrying both weapons in the car.
- The suspect admits that he is the owner, but does not admit that he put the gun in the car.
- The weapon is not pointed at the suspect’s person.
- The suspect is eligible for a CPL.
“Because case law is silent on the specific issue, and the legislative intent of the CPL statute does not support charges based on these facts, no charges will be filed in this case and the order is dismissed,” the prosecutor’s office said.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy issued the following statement regarding her decision not to charge Williams:
“We have reviewed this matter thoroughly and objectively. We did not consider in our decision-making that Mr. Williams is a professional athlete from Detroit. We have previously charged Detroit-area athletes and would not have hesitated to do so again if the facts of this would emerge.” The case can be proven beyond any reasonable doubt. When it comes to charging decisions, we don’t take into account who the potential suspect is, how much power and influence he has, or how well-liked he is only law.
“While no case contains identical facts, when possible we can look at similar facts to help us in our decision-making. We really couldn’t remember a single case that contained facts that reflected this case. Each case is fact specific. As always, we apply the alleged facts to existing law. And the applicable law and associated legislative history are far from clear.
“We have had a team of experienced lawyers look at this case – as we often do – especially when the law is unclear or uncertain. We all agree that this decision is the right one and only one. And I am personally sure that the right decision was made. created with this specific and unique set of facts.
“The CPL holder here was the driver and had care, custody and control of the car. There is guidance needed for the future on how many weapons can a valid CPL say he has control over? Despite all this, if Mr Williams If he had had the weapon with him, he would have been charged.
“I urge the Legislature to immediately take a close look at this law so that Michigan prosecutors can receive stable and meaningful guidance moving forward.”
Criminal defense attorney Jeff Kramer, who has defended several cases involving concealed carry, says he is not shocked by the end result.
However, he doesn’t think Worthy would have spent as much time evaluating the case if Williams wasn’t involved.
“If this was Joe Smith that had been pulled over, the officer would have served the warrant and it would have been approved with no questions asked,” Kramer said.
