GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – Following a three-day trial, a federal jury convicted a Tennessee man on three counts of production of child sexual abuse material following a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville.
Sean Christopher Williams, 53, of Johnson City, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison as to each count. Sentencing is set for Feb. 24, 2025.
The evidence presented at trial showed that Williams used three minor children to engage in sexually explicit conduct and took photos of the sexually explicit conduct. The conduct occurred at Williams’ apartment in Johnson City. The evidence showed that Williams sexually assaulted each of the victims’ mothers while they were unconscious, around the same time that he took pornographic photos of their children. The criminal conduct extended over a 12-year period. Williams took photos of the first victim in 2008 and the two other victims on separate occasions in 2020. The jury was shown explicit photos of the victims that included Williams’ hands, including a distinctive tattoo on his middle finger and a scar on his wrist.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the joint investigation which led to the indictment and conviction of Williams included the FBI, HSI Nashville, First Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the Western Carolina University Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan L. Gomez and Emily M. Swecker represented the United States at trial.
To report any information about human trafficking, child sexual abuse, or the trafficking in child sexual abuse material contact the HSI Tip Line at 1-877-4-HSI-TIP; or report it through the CyberTipline on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's website.
Learn more about HSI Nashville’s mission to increase public safety in Tennessee and Kentucky communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSI_Nashville.