A man held in custody in Park County since June 22 was positively identified as the same man wanted in Alabama for allegedly committing second degree rape. 

The surety bond for Rehiem Williamson was also reduced to $2,500 following his identity hearing Monday in Fifth Judicial District Court.

His bond was originally $20,000. 

Williamson was confirmed to be the person in the warrant based on physical description, name and Social Security number. 

His counsel, Travis Smith, argued there may not be enough evidence provided by Alabama to hold Williamson and had asked that his client be released prior to the identification portion of the hearing. 

The information provided by Alabama makes several references to an affidavit that was not provided. Alabama did provide a complaint, a warrant for arrest and an affidavit for a fugitive warrant.

“The statutes require more than that to hold my client on an out-of-state warrant,” Smith said.

After careful consideration, Judge Joey Darrah ruled there was enough evidence to hold Williamson, although he thought the jurisdiction was “a little shaky.”

The question was raised whether or not Williamson was taken to the detention center under different charges.

“I believe it was for another charge, your honor,” Park County Sheriff’s Deputy Gunnar Hill said. “I believe the warrant came second, your honor.”

Darrah did not have information regarding charges other than the extradition warrant.

Williamson’s bond, which had already been reduced to $5,000 cash or surety on June 28, was further reduced to $2,500 because Williamson was unable to secure a bondsman for the larger amount due to his charges being out of state.

Smith also said the rape charge had not been pressed when Williamson had moved to Wyoming, so he was not running from the charge. It was Smith’s belief Williamson wanted to return to his job in Yellowstone National Park.

Assistant County Attorney Larry Eichele asked that the original $20,000 bond be reinstated because the state of Alabama has shown active interest, and the initiating officer had contacted Yellowstone police.

Darrah ruled to have the bond reduced due in part to the length of time Williamson has spent in custody.

“At this point in time I have an issue with the fact that the system is failing you —  not the system in Wyoming, but the system (in Alabama),” Darrah said.