Schofield soldier to seek
deployment over prison

A Schofield Barracks soldier faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for negligently causing the death of a close friend and fellow soldier in a one-car crash on the H-2 a year ago.

His attorney says he will ask that Jesse Williams, who has no prior record, be sentenced to probation so that he can remain in the U.S. Army and join his unit, which will be deployed to Iraq in December.

A Circuit Court jury convicted Williams, 21, of the lesser offense of first-degree negligent homicide yesterday in the April 5, 2003, crash that killed Marquel Roberts, 23.

Deputy prosecutor Marvin Rampey said he was disappointed in the verdict, noting that the facts of the case were "pretty egregious."

Besides having a blood-alcohol level of .15 percent -- nearly twice the legal limit of .08 -- Williams admitted he was driving at speeds of 120 mph, chasing a carload of girls, "possibly to get a phone number from a girl."

"He knew obviously what he was doing was dangerous and could lead to a fatality," Rampey said.

Deputy public defender Walter Rodby said Roberts was a good friend of Williams. "In no way would he put his friend's life at risk and knowingly cause such a result."

Williams was severely depressed after his friend was killed, and the Army put him through counseling and substance abuse treatment, Rodby said.

The Army has indicated that if Williams is ordered to serve no more than a year in jail, they will keep him, Rodby said. "Why put him in jail if he's willing to risk his life in Iraq?" he asked. Rampey said he will ask that Williams be sentenced to the full 10 years in prison. Williams will be sentenced Nov. 14.