Attorney General's News Release

August 8, 2006

Barry County court keeps man found to be sexually violent predator in commitment at treatment center

Jefferson City, Mo. — A Barry County judge has ruled that a man previously found to be a sexually violent predator, or SVP, will remain in commitment at a state treatment center. Donald Williams (DOB - 12/28/63) had filed a petition seeking release from the treatment center in Farmington, where he was committed as an SVP after a jury trial in October 2002. Attorney General Jay Nixon's office opposed the release.

Associate Circuit Judge Michael Garrett, who oversees probate matters in Barry County, issued an order denying Williams' motion on Aug. 2.

“My office will seek the continued commitment of those who still pose a danger to society,” Nixon said. “While they are committed, these individuals can get the treatment they need.”

Nixon successfully sought to have Williams committed as an SVP after he finished serving a three-year sentence for first-degree child molestation out of Barry County in December 2001.

Those committed by the court as sexually violent predators have the right to have their cases reviewed on an annual basis to determine if their mental abnormality has so changed that they are not likely to commit acts of sexual violence if released.

Currently, there are 79 sexually violent predators in commitment in Missouri. Sexually violent predator commitments are handled by the Public Safety Division in Nixon's office. Missouri's sexually violent predator law took effect in January 1999.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818