Union Representing Federal Correctional Officers Calls for Justice
(Washington) – AFGE’s Council of Prison Locals today sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez asking for an investigation of delays of the trial involving the murder of Scott Williams, a senior officer specialist killed in the line of duty at the United States Penitentiary, Lompoc, Calif. Although, it has been eight years since the murder, the trial has yet to begin.
The trial was delayed numerous times because of several competency hearings, changes of legal counsel and a generally stalled process. The case was scheduled to proceed in February, but was delayed once again. The Council has learned that the accused inmate’s newest lawyers now may seek a plea agreement.
“We are opposed to any plea agreement that takes the death penalty off the table. He [the accused] should not be placed back into a federal prison on a life sentence after murdering an officer,” said Philip Glover, Council President.
Correctional workers say this case has not been a priority for the Department of Justice. Glover cited Timothy McVey, who was convicted and put to death since Williams was murdered, and referred to other high profile cases that similarly have been completed. Yet the family of Officer Williams has not received justice.
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal union, representing 600,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia.