Cletus Gerald Williams, III, Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, South Dakota 2020

A Sioux Falls man has been sentenced for his role in a serious crime that shook the community. Cletus Gerald Williams, III, a/k/a C.J. Williams, 23, was convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender in a federal case that highlighted the importance of registration for those with a history of sexual abuse.

According to court records, Williams was required to update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment. However, between September 23, 2019, and October 27, 2019, Williams failed to properly register as a sex offender and update his registration, committing a serious crime in the process.

The case against Williams began on December 10, 2019, when a federal grand jury indicted him on charges of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Williams subsequently pled guilty on January 15, 2020, and was sentenced on March 25, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Williams was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. The U.S. Marshals Service immediately turned him over to their custody.

The case against Williams was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson.

Williams' conviction was a result of his previous conviction for Sexual Abuse of a Minor in April 2017. The community is likely relieved that justice has been served in this case, and the importance of sex offender registration has been highlighted.

In conclusion, Cletus Gerald Williams, III, has been held accountable for his failure to register as a sex offender, and the community is safer because of it.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/sioux-falls-man-sentenced-failure-register-sex-offender-4