First Posted: 1/30/2015
LIMA — A woman whose drug problem and bad choice for a boyfriend led her to prison was given a second chance Friday.
India Williams was granted early release from prison less than one year into a four-year sentence for a crime that left a man paralyzed. She told the judge she would stay out of trouble and make the most of the chance.
“I’m just ready to get back in school and get back to having another job,” Williams said.
Allen County Common Pleas Judge David Cheney said he would take a chance on her. He noted her only record before going to prison was two minor misdemeanor noise violations before her felonious assault conviction.
“That is the big reason why I am willing to take a chance with you. You obviously have some idea of right from wrong,” Cheney said.
But the judge also warned Williams she would have to stay out of trouble and off drugs. He told her to make sure she didn’t hang out with the wrong people.
“You will be on a very tight leash, so to speak. If there are violations, you will go back to prison,” Cheney said.
Williams, 22, was the driver in an incident in which 24-year-old Tyrell Jackson was shot outside a home at 655 S. Elizabeth St., on Sept. 12, 2013. Jackson nearly died and was paralyzed from the waist down.
The shooter, Dearious Carter, was Williams’ boyfriend. He had Williams drive the car while he looked to confront Jackson. When he saw Jackson, he jumped out of the car and shot the 24-year-old man.
Carter was sentenced to 13 years in prison.
Cheney placed Williams on three years probation, ordered she perform 50 hours of community service and successfully complete counseling. She also will have to undergo random drug testing.
