A.J. Johnson, Michael Williams Indicted in Rape Case: Latest Details, Comments
Former Tennessee linebacker A.J. Johnson and current defensive back Michael Williams were indicted on rape charges on Feb. 12. They were arraigned on Feb. 23 and have pleaded not guilty to the rape charges. Their trial is set to begin Aug. 24.
Continue for updates.
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Johnson, Williams Plead Not Guilty
Monday, March 9
"Former Tennessee linebacker A.J. Johnson and suspended Tennessee defensive back Michael Williams have pleaded not guilty to aggravated rape charges," Steve Megaree of The Associated Press reported.
Arraignment Set for Johnson, Williams
Monday, Feb. 23
Don Jacobs of The Knoxville Sun-Sentinel reported on the latest legal proceedings for Johnson and Williams:
"Former Vol linebacker A.J. Johnson and current cornerback Michael Williams are scheduled to appear March 9 in Knox County Criminal Court on charges of aggravated rape.
Criminal Court Judge Bob McGee will decide during the scheduled arraignment for the men if affidavits filed in support of search warrants will be unsealed. The affidavits were sealed Nov. 24 at the request of the Knoxville Police Department because of the ongoing investigation.
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Johnson Officially Booked on Rape Charge, Posts Bond
Tuesday, Feb. 17
Anita Wadhwani and Matt Slovin of The Tennessean reported that Johnson was officially processed on his rape charges, and was released on $40,000 bond.
NFL Withdraws Johnson's Combine Invite
Friday, Feb. 13
According to Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean, Johnson's combine invitation has been withdrawn by the NFL.
Johnson, Williams Indicted on Rape Charges
Thursday, Feb. 12
Former Tennessee linebacker A.J. Johnson and current defensive back Michael Williams, who were accused of rape in November, according to a Knoxville police report, have been formally indicted by a Knox County grand jury on the charge of rape.
The Knoxville News Sentinel broke the news via its GoVolsXtra Twitter account:
“I will confirm that I received a notification (from the Knox County District Attorney General’s office) that a presentment had been returned against him alleging rape,” said Williams’ attorney, David Eldridge, per Hayes Hickman of the Knoxville News Sentinel. “Mr. Williams turned himself in to the Knox County jail and was released on a $40,000 bond.”
Johnson and Williams were accused of rape by a female University of Tennessee student in November, who claimed it happened at Johnson’s residence, per Hickman's report. A second woman also accused Williams of sexual assault from the same evening, per the report.
The pair were suspended from the team immediately after the accusation in November, and while Johnson has since graduated, Williams is enrolled at the school for the spring semester.
Johnson, 23, finished the 2014 season with 101 combined tackles, two sacks and one interception in 10 games and was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, though this incident could put his NFL future in serious doubt.
The future of Williams, 21, also remains unknown. But given his instant suspension after the the accusations first came to light, it's likely he'll be suspended indefinitely now that he has been indicted.
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