TCI Man arrested in Florida on sexual battery charges

By Dana Malcolm

Staff writer

#TurksandCaicos, January 12, 2023 –  A Turks and Caicos Islander attempting to enter the United States on June 7th has been arrested on charges of sexual battery.

According to an arrest warrant seen by Magnetic Media, Rerel Williams was to be picked up by Miami Law Enforcement which was waiting to take him into custody.

An affidavit attached to the warrant said the charges stem from a January 28th incident where Williams is accused of assaulting a young woman while she slept in their mutual friend’s apartment. He had reportedly given the two women a ride home earlier that night and left before returning to the home later on to do the alleged deed.

Police say according to security footage, Williams is seen arriving at the dwelling several minutes before the reported incident and leaving with a suitcase as the police arrived, having been called by the victim.

He was positively identified via photograph by the victim who did not know his name and then identified by residents in the Turks and Caicos whose accounts were corroborated by US Customs, informed the report. But Williams managed to escape to the TCI before the identity was confirmed, the warrant says.

Once Williams attempted to fly back into the US via Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport this month,  the Miami Dade Police were informed by US Customs and secured the warrant for his arrest.

As per the warrant, signed on June 6th, Williams was to be arrested on sight.

He now faces trial for Sexual Battery which is a second-degree felony.

In the State of Florida the maximum sentence is 15 years in prison, along with a $10,000 fine.