United States of America v. Kenneth Dylan Williams

Birmingham, Alabama, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with attempted sex trafficking of a minor and possession with intent to distribute meth.

On August 9, 2024, a West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force (WAHTTF) undercover (UC) officer posted an advertisement on a commercial sex website posing as a 19-year-old female in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The following day, Kenneth Dylan Williams, 39, of Gallion, Alabama, sent a text message to the UC responding to the advertisement. During the exchange, the UC stated that she was only 15 years old and asked Williams if he wanted to continue to arrange a meeting. Williams requested a call with the UC to reassure himself that the UC was “real.” After the call, Williams confirmed the meeting location with the UC. Williams then traveled over an hour from his home to meet the UC at the set location in Brookwood, Alabama, and was arrested. During the arrest, officers recovered a Samsung Galaxy cell phone, wallet, and cash from Williams. A Tuscaloosa police officer searched Williams’s vehicle and recovered a clear plastic bag containing 25 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol, a loaded Sig Sauer 10mm pistol, a black ski mask, and leather gloves.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The ATF investigated the case along with the West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force and the Tuscaloosa Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel S. McBrayer prosecuted the case.

CBP 135 mos as to counts 1 and 2 sep and concur w/ each other; SRT 60 mos w/ spec conds; No Fine; Forfeiture Ordered; AF $200.00; Dft remanded to custody of USM