ARCADIA — A former DeSoto County deputy is set to face trial on charges of arson and battery. Brian Christopher Williams, 35, will begin his trial at 9 a.m. on Aug. 5 at the DeSoto County Courthouse in Arcadia.
Authorities allege that during an argument with his wife, Williams set fire to a mattress and subsequently violated a no-contact order issued against him.
Williams is charged with first-degree arson, domestic battery, and two counts of violating a domestic injunction.
According to court documents, Williams’ wife reported that in March 2022, he tackled her and used a torch to ignite a bed in their home. Despite visible injuries, she declined to press charges at the time, telling officers she had slipped and cut herself on glass. She also claimed that Williams intentionally cut himself so that she wouldn’t be the only one with injuries, according to the probable cause affidavit.
Following the incident, Williams’ family moved, and a no-contact order was issued. He allegedly violated this order twice by visiting the new residence.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) stated that Williams was relieved of his position in April 2022, shortly before a warrant for his arrest was issued. He was later taken to DeSoto County Jail and released on a $200,000 bond. He is currently on supervised pre-trial release.
