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W.Va. Woman Recants Kidnap, Torture Story

Prosecutor stands by '07 convictions, didn't rely on her testimony

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 22, 2009 5:40 AM CDT
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(Newser) – A black woman who accused seven white people of beating and raping her while keeping her captive in a West Virginia trailer in 2007 has recanted her story, according to her lawyer. Six of the seven are currently serving prison time after confessing and accepting plea bargains. Megan Williams, whose case sparked a national hate-crimes controversy, made up the accusations as revenge on one of the accused, her then-boyfriend, and now wants to stop "living this lie," her lawyer says.

The prosecutor who handled the cases is skeptical about Williams' recantation and accuses her of seeking publicity. Authorities decided early on that she wasn't reliable, he says, and pursued the case using physical evidence and statements from the accused. The Rev. Al Sharpton said Williams has "psychological issues" and called for the case to be handled delicately. "This isn't cut and dried either way," he told the AP. "Right is right, but I have no idea if tomorrow her story will change back."

In a Monday, Oct. 22, 2007 file photo, Megan Williams, 20, of Charleston, W.Va., stands outside of her home.
In a Monday, Oct. 22, 2007 file photo, Megan Williams, 20, of Charleston, W.Va., stands outside of her home.   (AP Photo/Jeff Gentner, File)
Megan Williams, 20, of Charleston, W.Va., sits at her home Monday, Oct. 22, 2007.
Megan Williams, 20, of Charleston, W.Va., sits at her home Monday, Oct. 22, 2007.   (AP Photo/Jeff Gentner)
Bobby Brewster, left, 24, of Big Creek, W. Va., is one of the six people serving prison time over the Williams case.
Bobby Brewster, left, 24, of Big Creek, W. Va., is one of the six people serving prison time over the Williams case.   (AP Photo/Jeff Gentner)
Alisha Burton, 23, of Chapmanville, W.Va., is one of the six people serving prison time over the Williams case.
Alisha Burton, 23, of Chapmanville, W.Va., is one of the six people serving prison time over the Williams case.   (AP Photo/Jeff Gentner)
Megan Williams, left, and her mother Carmen Williams of Charleston smile and wave during a rally at the Capitol prior to a march Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007 in Charleston, W.Va.
Megan Williams, left, and her mother Carmen Williams of Charleston smile and wave during a rally at the Capitol prior to a march Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007 in Charleston, W.Va.   (AP Photo/Jeff Genter)
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It's ironic to me that today she's saying she made all this up. At the time she was criticizing me for offering them plea agreements. Each of them made statements incriminating themselves and others.
- Former prosecutor Brian Abraham

If the prosecution depended on something Ms. Williams said that she is now saying is false, the prosecutor needs to reopen this case. And I told Ms. Williams exactly that.
- The Rev. Al Sharpton

This isn't to rejuvenate her
15 minutes of fame, but to regurgitate her 15 minutes of fame. Is she proposing to give back all the donations she got? - Former prosecutor Brian Abraham

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
stuck-in-paris
Oct 23, 2009 4:55 AM CDT
chapter from Taiwana Brawley
fiestygirl
Oct 23, 2009 4:19 AM CDT
cedarkey, You give me hope for our future. I am always happy when people take responsibility for themselves and their own happiness. You are not the first person I have heard speak ill of Sharpton and Jackson. Many are afraid to do so in the open so I think there are many more who feel the same but are held captive by their fear. It is easier for some to blame others for their failings or lack of success. Keep passing your message of success and "change" and you will have done more for your community then any community organizer ever could. I will say that when I and my son had that experience last June I told my son not to judge all African-Americans based on what we had just been through. A few days later I happened to be late for an appointment and I was speeding over 20 MPH on a county road. I saw the sheriff's deputy just as he got me with the radar. I pulled over and he stepped out. He was African-American and I said out loud, " Just great, he's going to give me a ticket because I'm white." My son was in the car. I was polite and gave him my information. He returned and had my ticket. He gave me a break on the speed by 12 mph. When the ticket was given to me to sign I about passed out. Over $240. He saw me get choked up. I asked if they took payments. He looked at the ticket and at me. He then told me that I had precious cargo on board and I had to agree to hearing his lecture. I did and he made my day by giving me a warning. Now I had to apologize to my son for not taking my own advise. I judged this man based on his skin color. He was only doing his job. I WAS in the wrong. He gave me a huge break. As a divorced mother who is laid off at the moment, I will never forget his act of kindness. The perpetuation of racism is a money maker for Sharpton, Jackson and their minions. It is time their bank accounts start to dry up. These creeps are living on the blood of their fellow man and the African-American community are being held captive by them.
USAHomeofthebrave
Oct 22, 2009 12:53 PM CDT
If these guys are innocent, this woman should serve time.

 
Al Sharpton • hate crime • rape • West Virginia • Megan Williams

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