Williams apologizes at sentencing hearing

The Troy man who admitted to assaulting a minor earlier this year pledged to “become a better person” during his sentencing hearing in Lincoln County District Court on Aug. 11.

Prosecutors had struck a plea deal with Cody Allen Williams, 28, in recent months incorporating both the assault case and charges stemming from a 2018 burglary and arson incident. In exchange, prosecutors dropped several outstanding charges and Williams pleaded guilty to felony assault of a minor and burglary.

Lincoln County District Judge Matthew Cuffe sentenced Williams to five years of a partially suspended 10-year stint with the state Department of Corrections. Williams received credit for 145 days already spent behind bars.

Williams, who appeared via videoconference, expressed remorse for his actions during the hearing.

“I would just like to apologize for my actions,” he said. “I’m sincerely sorry for what I did. I hope that I become better than this.”

The more recent charge stemmed from a March incident in Troy. Authorities allege that a wrestling match between Williams and several minors holding a sleepover spun out of control.

Williams, who allegedly grew angry during the wrestling matches, choked one of the boys nearly to the point of unconsciousness, court documents said. Williams also allegedly held the boys down and rubbed them — through his pants — with his genitalia.

As for the 2018 incident, authorities accused Williams of breaking into a friend’s home in Libby, stealing property and then trying to set the house ablaze.

Williams initially faced arson and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia charges as well as the burglary charge.

“I believe this is an appropriate and just punishment,” Cuffe told Williams after handing down the sentence. “I wish you luck, sir.”