DeKalb police officer resigns amid child molestation charges

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Channel 2 Action News has learned an 18-year veteran of the DeKalb County Police Department has resigned after being charged with child molestation.

Manuel Williams, 48, was arrested Wednesday, DeKalb police officials announced at an afternoon news conference.

Officials said Williams is accused of inappropriately touching his daughter’s 13-year-old friend.

The girl did not report the incident to her father until recently, DeKalb County Police Chief Cedric Alexander told reporters at news conference Wednesday.

“The father of the 13-year-old victim reported it to police on Oct. 12,” he said. “It’s very disheartening for all of us here at DeKalb Police.”

Williams was with the department for 18 years and most recently worked out of the south precinct, police said.

“Records indicate that he’s always carried himself as a stellar officer,” Alexander said. “This comes as a surprise for us. But we’re going to do what is right by the public and by the police department.”

Investigators said Williams confessed to the charge and offered his resignation.

Officials said he’s well-respected and he’s never had any problems.

Williams has denied the charges.

WSBTV