Sean Williams, who escaped from a transportation van taking him to federal court last year, may be looking for his fourth attorney in less than a year. Williams asked the U. S. District court to remove his current attorney, and his current attorney has also asked that he be removed from the case.
Earlier this month, Williams filed a motion with the court asking for a new attorney. Judge Ronnie Greer denied that request on April 10. On Wednesday, his current attorney Joseph McAfee filed a motion asking that he be allowed to withdraw as Williams’ attorney. Judge Greer has set a motion hearing for Monday afternoon on the issue.
The reasons for Williams’ request to fire McAfee and McAfee’s request to be removed from representing him are unknown, as the documents filed with those requests were placed under seal.
David Leonard of Greeneville was originally appointed to represent Williams in May of 2023 on his charges of being a felon in possession of ammunition. After additional charges of child pornography and escape were added, Williams was represented by Bryce McKenzie. McKenzie asked to withdraw from the case after Williams’ capture, and the court appointed Joseph McAfee to represent him.
Williams faces a trial in August on charges of producing child pornography, but for now is still scheduled to stand trial on May 14 on the escape charges. Williams kicked his way out of the rear of a transport van on October 18 and was captures in Florida on November 21, 2023.
