Former officer sentenced in Othello child sex case

OTHELLO — Koby Don Williams, 49, of Ellensburg, was sentenced on one count of Attempted Online Enticement. Williams was convicted of the crime on May 14 following a jury trial, according to a Sept. 19 press release from the United States Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Washington.  

United States Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed a sentence of 135 months (about 11 and a half years) and 15 years of supervised release. 

Williams was a former Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.  

According to a Sept. 19 press release from the USAO, Williams replied to a decoy Craigslist post July 23, 2022, as part of an undercover law enforcement operation meant to identify people trying to meet minors for sex. The post stated that “Rebecca,” is an alias for a 13-year-old prostitute.  

Williams called and chatted over text with “Rebecca,” for days which included discussion of “Rebecca’s” age; what Williams would pay for sex acts, William’s employment as a “cop;” and arrangements to meet “Rebecca” at a hotel for sex. During these exchanges, William’s believed that “Rebecca” was a minor. 

Three days after William’s initial response he arrived at the Quality Inn in Othello to meet “Rebecca.” He was met by law enforcement and arrested. Williams and his vehicle were searched, finding his Immigration and Customs Enforcement badge, two bottles of generic Viagra and $4,075 in a credit union envelope.  

Williams testified at trial saying he did not believe “Rebecca” was a minor and that he was there to rescue a minor. The jurors concluded with a guilty verdict.  

“Sexual exploitation of children, human sex trafficking of children, and internet crimes against children often go unnoticed,” said Othello Police Detective Sergeant Brent McFarlane in the USAO press release. “It is deeply concerning when a member of law enforcement is involved in committing these horrific acts. Sadly, the online world provides criminals with easy access to children. This stark reality underscores the need for proactive and coordinated investigations. This case demonstrates the collaboration between federal and state partners to protect the most vulnerable and hold perpetrators accountable.” 

The case was part of the Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual abuse and exploitation, launched in 2006. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, Officer of Inspector General, Othello Police Department, Moses Lake Police Department and the Toppenish Police Department, with the assistance of the Washington State Department of Corrections. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ann Wick and announced by the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, Vanessa R. Waldref.  

OPD released a statement about the case saying the department does not believe law enforcement is above the law.  

“In this case, a member of law enforcement held a position of trust, he broke that trust and now will face the consequences set forth by our criminal justice system,” reads the OPD statement.  

OPD also asks for the community's continued support to fight situations like this. The department says that as a community, there can be safer spaces for children.