WILLIAMS — A Williams man is facing multiple charges after police say video evidence he provided during a domestic dispute investigation showed him allegedly preventing a woman from leaving a residence and pushing her during an argument.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Michael Martin and Deputy Augustus Hogan responded at approximately 8:30 p.m. July 15 to a residence on Williams Silverville Road for a citizen assist call.
Upon arrival, officers spoke with 42-year-old Walter Lawyer, who told police he was seeking advice regarding problems in his relationship. Lawyer told officers he had been recording arguments between himself and the woman involved in the dispute and offered to show police the recordings.
According to the affidavit, Lawyer showed officers multiple videos from his phone. Police said one video showed Lawyer questioning the woman about who she had allowed inside the home. During the video, the woman could allegedly be seen attempting to leave through the front door while Lawyer stood in front of the doorway.
The affidavit states the woman repeatedly asked to leave, while Lawyer allegedly told her he would allow her to leave after she answered his questions.
In another video, police said Lawyer was positioned in a bedroom doorway while the woman attempted to leave. According to investigators, Lawyer pushed the woman, causing her to stumble into a wall. The affidavit states the woman repeatedly asked to leave and requested that Lawyer return her phone.
Police said Lawyer voluntarily provided the videos to investigators through iCloud after being asked to share them for documentation.
Based on the investigation, officers requested an arrest warrant charging Lawyer with criminal confinement, domestic battery and theft.
The charges are allegations, and Lawyer is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
