Troy, NY –Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly announced today that Charles Williams, 33, of Rensselaer, formerly of the Bronx, and an underage male were arraigned Wednesday on Kidnapping – 2nd degree PL 135.20, a class B violent felony; Robbery 1st PL 160.15, a class B violent felony; Assault 2nd PL 120.05, a class D violent felony and Unlawful Imprisonment 1st PL 135.10, a class E felony.
Williams and a juvenile male are charged with abducting a female, and holding her against her will in October. Williams had been released from a parole hold prior to his re-arrest in Albany County in December.
“As the case of Charles Williams illustrates, the current parole reforms in New York State have already resulted in less accountability for offenders. Victims are fearful and less cooperative. Parole reform legislation addresses only one aspect of a multi-faceted problem. True and effective reform must include funding to address all aspects of rehabilitation for convicted criminals including adequate support for our corrections officers, to ensure that our jails function safely and effectively,” said District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly.
“The NYS Division of Parole has been a trusted law enforcement partner throughout my career. As the reforms impact their ability to do their jobs and to hold offenders accountable, public safety is jeopardized.” Donnelly added.
Assistant District Attorney Tim Feenan is prosecuting the case for the District Attorney’s office.
