Towns Found Guilty

Williams County Sheriff, Steve Towns is found guilty on a misdemeanor charge of public dissemination of confidential information. Prosecutors say he posted confidential child abuse reports to the Sheriff’s department’s website and Facebook page. Special prosecutor, Mark Weaver told the court Towns recklessly posted confidential reports about suspected child abuse and that at least one child victim was identified. Towns said earlier this year that he had been frustrated with the handling of child abuse investigations in the county, so he posted the documents to let the public know what was happening. The judge sentenced Towns to probation following the jury’s verdict. Attorneys for the sheriff say he has served the public well and that they’re considering an appeal.