From the Monroe County Sheriff Tommy Jones:

In April 2024. Mr. William Allen Howard, a 65 year old Tellico Plains resident, was arrested following an indictment by a Monroe County grand jury. The indictment stemmed from an investigation conducted by the Special Crimes Unit, which operates under the Criminal Investigation Division and is responsible for investigating crimes against children.

Mr. Howard was convicted under the Child Protection Act for aggravated rape of a child. He has been sentenced to 45 years at 100%, meaning he must serve his entire sentence without the possibility of parole.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting our most vulnerable and ensuring that those who commit crimes against children are held fully accountable.