Akiem Angelo Williams, 38, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 84 months in prison after pursuing a stranger from the Georgia Avenue Metro station and attempting to rape her inside an apartment building lobby. The violent assault, which occurred on September 6, 2020, was witnessed by three people and left the victim curled on the floor, bleeding from the head. Williams was also sentenced to 72 months for assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse, with both sentences running concurrently.
According to court evidence, at approximately 1:57 p.m. on that day, Williams followed the woman from the Metro station and chased her down the street as she screamed for help. He cornered her inside the apartment building, physically assaulted her, and attempted to rape her. Only after a witness shouted that police were on the way did Williams flee the scene. He returned to the Georgia Avenue Metro station and sexually assaulted another rider before exposing himself in plain view.
Hours later, a second Metro rider encountered Williams on a train — again exposing himself. Authorities identified Williams through video surveillance footage captured at the station and aboard the train. The disturbing pattern of behavior over a single day revealed a predatory spree that culminated in multiple charges, including kidnapping, first-degree burglary, and assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse.
On October 17, 2022, Williams was found guilty by a judge in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. No jury was involved in the trial, which hinged on surveillance video, eyewitness testimony, and forensic analysis. The Honorable Judge Robert D. Okun imposed the 84-month sentence and added 10 years of supervised release. Williams is banned from all WMATA Metrorail trains and stations for life.
U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and MPD Chief Robert Conte III commended the investigators from the Sexual Assault Unit of the Metropolitan Police Department and the Criminal Investigation Division of the Metro Transit Police. They also highlighted the crucial role of the Metro Transit Digital Video Evidence Unit in securing Williams’ identification and arrest. The rapid coordination between agencies helped close the case despite the random, brazen nature of the attacks.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Courtney Lee and Dana Joseph led the prosecution, with support from Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasmin Emrani, who reviewed evidence pre-trial. Additional credit was given to Appellate Chief Nicholas Coleman, Lead Paralegal Specialist ReShawn Johnson, Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Michelle Wicker, former SODV intern Lexi Nitishin, and Victim/Witness Advocate Tracey Hawkins. Upon release, Williams will be required to register as a sex offender for life.
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Key Facts
- State: Washington DC
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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