Bond reduced for rape suspect from Alabama

Posted 6/30/22

The cash bond for Rehiem Williamson, who is wanted in Lauderdale County, Alabama, for alleged second degree rape, has been reduced from $20,000 to $5,000.

Williamson had been working in Canyon …

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Bond reduced for rape suspect from Alabama

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The cash bond for Rehiem Williamson, who is wanted in Lauderdale County, Alabama, for alleged second degree rape, has been reduced from $20,000 to $5,000.

Williamson had been working in Canyon Village in Yellowstone National Park with his brother at the time of his arrest on June 22. The Alabama warrant had not been issued at the time Williamson began work in Yellowstone National Park, according to his lawyer, Travis Smith.

According to Detective Brandon McCorkle of Florence, Alabama, who is investigating the alleged rape, the report of the crime was filed May 26. The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department issued a warrant for Williamson on June 07.

Williamson appeared in court Friday and Circuit Court Judge Joseph E. Darrah chose to set a $20,000 cash or surety bond based on the recommendation of Deputy Park County Attorney Larry Eichele. 

Eichele had concerns that once on bond, Williamson would be responsible for reporting to Alabama without police escort.

Williamson appeared in court virtually on Tuesday after declining to sign an extradition waiver. Smith argued to have Williamson’s bond drastically reduced on the grounds that a bond must be a reasonable amount with the exception of certain charges such as first degree murder. Smith originally suggested Williamson’s bond be reduced to $1,000 cash.

Judge Darrah agreed to reduce Williamson’s bond based on lack of information regarding the circumstances of Williamson’s arrest in Alabama and the fact that there was no suggested bond on Williamson’s arrest warrant.

“There is no affidavit of probable cause here. We basically just have the warrant and the complaint,” he said. 

Darrah reduced the bond to $5,000 saying he did not want to “cut him off at the legs,” and was concerned about Williamson spending unnecessary time in the Park County Detention Center; however, he clarified that he wanted to make sure that the bond provided enough security.

Williamson has a review hearing scheduled for next week.

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