(CBS Detroit) After an investigation into carrying a concealed weapon, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office has decided not to arrest Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams.
The 23-year-old Williams and his brother, who was operating a black vehicle, were reportedly stopped for speeding and reckless driving at around one in the morning on October 8, according to officials. Officers were informed by the wide receiver’s brother that the car contained two guns. Williams’ brother allegedly provided police with a driver’s license, evidence of insurance, registration, and a valid concealed pistol license (CPL).
Police discovered a weapon registered to Williams on the front passenger floorboard, the prosecutor’s office said. On the floorboard behind the driver’s seat was a second weapon.
When a supervisor from the Detroit Police Department arrived, Williams was released at the scene after being arrested for carrying a concealed firearm. His sibling received a traffic ticket.
The prosecutor’s office claims that during its investigation, it was unable to locate another instance in which the following facts were relevant:
“Because the case law is silent regarding the specific issue, and the legislative intent of the CPL statute does not support charges under these facts, no charges will issue in this matter, and the warrant is denied,” said the prosecutor’s office.
After deciding not to charge Williams, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy released the following statement:
“We have examined this case in-depth and impartially. The fact that Mr. Williams is a professional athlete from Detroit was not taken into account when we made our choice. If the circumstances of this case could be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, we would not have hesitated to charge athletes from the Detroit region again. We don’t consider the probable defendant’s personality, level of influence and authority, or popularity when deciding whether to charge them. We just address the law and the facts.
“Even though no two cases are exactly the same, we can try to make decisions by looking at similar data. We honestly couldn’t think of another case with similar facts to this one. Each case is unique to its facts. As usual, we apply the current law to the claimed facts. Furthermore, neither the relevant legislation nor its legislative background are entirely clear.
“As we frequently do, particularly in cases where the law is ambiguous or unresolved, we had a group of knowledgeable attorneys review this matter. We all agreed that this is the fair and correct course of action. And given these particular and unusual facts, I am confident that the appropriate choice has been chosen.
“The driver in this case was the CPL holder, who also had custody, control, and care of the vehicle. Guidance is needed for the future on how many weapons can a valid CPL say that they have control over? Despite all of this, if Mr. Williams had the gun on his person, he would have been charged.
“I urge the legislature to immediately look closely at this law so that the prosecutors in Michigan can have steady and meaningful guidance in the future.”
Criminal defense attorney Jeff Kramer, who has defended several cases involving concealed carry, says he’s not shocked by the end result.
However, he doesn’t think Worthy would’ve spent so much time evaluating the case had it not involved Williams.
“If this was Joe Smith pulled over, the officer would’ve sent the warrant request and it would’ve been approved without any questions being asked,” Kramer said.
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