PREBLE COUNTY — A man has learned his punishment for raping a child in Preble County.
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John Williams was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Sept. 8, according to Preble County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Marit’s office.
He is also a Tier 3 sex offender, meaning he will be a registered sex offender for the rest of his life.
As previously reported by News Center 7, a jury found Williams guilty of two counts each of rape, sexual battery, and gross sexual imposition in August.
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On Monday, the sexually violent predator specifications connected to the initial charges were tried separately in court.
The court found that Williams is a sexually violent predator, the office said.
“The Defendant in this case will never be able to harm another child as long as he lives. This is a testament to the bravery and strength of the child witness who testified against a once trusted adult. She has guaranteed that this Defendant will never harm his victim again, and that potential future victims will be protected from this Defendant’s disgusting criminal behavoir,” Marit said.
As previously reported by News Center 7, Preble County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to West State Route 35 on reports of a suicidal man on Dec. 15, 2024.
When deputies arrived, they learned Williams was caught in the act of raping a child under 10 years old, according to prosecutors.
When deputies tried to take Williams into custody and he ran away from the house into a wooded area.
Deputies used tracking dogs, drones with thermal imaging, and help from other agencies to try to find Williams, but were unsuccessful.
Williams was taken into custody on Dec. 17 when he was found by family hiding in a shed.
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