Superior Court bailiff sentenced to 6.5 years in prison

On Friday the Pinal County Superior Court sentenced Royzell Devere Williams to 6.5 years in prison for improper influence on a public officer.

Williams, 47, was arrested on July 14, 2009, following a month long investigation by the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office. He was indicted on charges of bribery and offering to exert improper influence on a public officer. Williams was employed as a bailiff at the Pinal County Superior Court in Florence.

The investigation involved an undercover operation. Williams accepted $3,500 from a victim in exchange for his promise to influence a Superior Court judge in a domestic relations case.

He pled guilty to improper influence on a public officer, a Class 4 felony, in May 2010. Williams had served nine years in state prison for theft, possession and sale/distribution of drugs. He was hired as a bailiff upon his release from prison. Superior Court Presiding Judge Carter Olson immediately terminated Williams’ employment after being informed of his arrest in July 2009.

“Crimes like the ones committed by Williams can shake the public’s trust in the justice system. I will work very hard to preserve and enhance that sense of trust,” said James P. Walsh, Pinal County Attorney. “

Prichard Platt, Chief Criminal Deputy Pinal County Attorney, prosecuted the case.

Submitted photo