District Attorney J. Collin Sims announces that on September 23, 2026, a St. Tammany Parish jury found Brandon Justin Lee Williams, 38, of New Orleans, guilty on all counts following a trial before the Honorable Judge Tara Farris Zeller.
Williams was convicted of:
- Second Degree Rape
- Domestic Abuse Battery Involving Serious Bodily Injury
- Domestic Abuse Battery Involving Child Endangerment
- Cruelty to Juveniles
The conviction stems from an October 2024 investigation by the Slidell Police Department into multiple reported incidents of domestic abuse at a residence on Highlands Drive in Slidell. During that investigation, law enforcement obtained statements from the adult victim, conducted forensic interviews with her two minor children, and reviewed text messages confirming severe physical abuse and child endangerment. The investigation further revealed that following incidents of physical violence, Williams repeatedly forced the victim into sexual acts under extreme emotional distress and physical intimidation.
During opening statements at trial, Assistant District Attorney Zachary Popovich, who prosecuted the case alongside ADA Taylor Nicholson, detailed the pattern of coercive control. “There is clear evidence of this woman being trapped in a cycle of abuse,” Popovich stated. “When she tried to stand up or defend herself, the abuse got worse. He made sure she knew ‘no’ was not an option.”
On September 23, 2026, Williams failed to appear in court, and Judge Zeller immediately issued a warrant for his arrest. Williams remains at large, and law enforcement is actively seeking information regarding his location. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the United States Marshals Service or local law enforcement immediately.
“This defendant subjected a mother and her children to a brutal cycle of physical abuse, sexual violence, and terrifying coercion,” said District Attorney Collin Sims. “While a St. Tammany Parish jury has held him accountable for his horrific crimes, Williams fled justice and remains at large. He is a dangerous individual, and we are working tirelessly with local authorities and the U.S. Marshals Service to locate him. If anyone has information regarding his whereabouts, please contact the U.S. Marshals Service or local law enforcement immediately so he can be brought to justice and sentenced.”