Roger P. Williams
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Roger P. Williams (June 27, 1939 – March 7, 2020) was an American lawyer who served as acting United States Attorney for the Western District of New York between 1981 and 1982 and then again between 1986 and 1988 and is also notable for prosecuting high profile cases in Western New York in the 1980s and the 1990s.[1]
Early life and education[edit]
Williams was born in Tonawanda, New York. He received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Buffalo and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Buffalo Law School both in the 1960s.[2]
Legal career[edit]
After graduation from law school, he worked in private law firms before being hired as an Assistant United States Attorney in 1974. In 1981, Williams was selected by the United States Attorney Richard J. Arcara to be First Assistant United States Attorney.[3]
Williams served twice as the acting United States Attorney for the Western District of New York in charge of federal prosecutions in 17 counties of Western New York. Between 1981 and 1992 Williams consistently held one of the top two positions at the United States Attorney's office for the Western District of New York until he was demoted to deputy U.S. attorney by incoming U.S. Attorney Dennis C. Vacco. At the time, a local newspaper quoted Williams as saying: "I don't consider it a put-down. I've been mostly in the administration end of things for 11 years. I need a change of pace."[1]
Williams is notable as being the lead federal prosecutor on several high profile cases in the region during the 1980s and 1990s including ones that garnered international attention. Williams prosecuted Cenon Rey Avelino for the sale of Vietnam War fighter jets.[4] Avelino was a former pilot for the family of deposed Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos.[5] His arrest followed the seizure of two former US air force fighter jets equipped with guns and bomb chutes at the border between the United States and Canada. The arrest made international news.[6] The prosecution and conviction of Avelino on some of the charges were reported worldwide.[7][8]
Another high profile case was the prosecution by Williams of Alan C. Thompson from New York City in an international money-laundering scheme based on information about Soviet spying activities provided by two federal double agents.[9]
Williams also led the investigation into claims that toxic PCBs, solvents and other waste oils were blended with fuel and sold to thousands of unsuspecting customers in New York and Canada. The case was reported in news outlets both in the United States and Canada.[10][11]
Williams was notable as being a "who's who" within law enforcement circles in Western New York in the 1980s and 1990s.[12]
Retirement and death[edit]
In 1993, Williams moved to Washington, D.C., to finish his career as general counsel to the U.S. Department of Transportation. He retired in 2004, returning to Western New York. Williams died March 7, 2020.[2]
Personal life[edit]
Williams was married with two daughters.[2]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Herbeck, Dan (1992-02-20). "Vacco demotes top prosecutor in shake-up Gicale replaces Williams as second-in-command at Justice Dept". The Buffalo News. Retrieved 2022-07-01.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Herbeck, Dan (2020-03-08). "Roger P. Williams, 80, federal prosecutor and mentor to many attorneys". The Buffalo News. Retrieved 2022-07-01.
- ↑ "Arcara Taps First Assistant". Buffalo Courier Express. 1981-03-14. Retrieved 2022-07-04.
- ↑ Herbeck, Dan (1990-12-11). "Man accused of smuggling jets knew of law violations, jury told". The Buffalo News. Retrieved 2022-08-27.
- ↑ Flippen, Alan (1990-12-17). "Canadian Found Guilty in Sale of Junked U.S. Warplanes". Associated Press. Retrieved 2022-08-26.
- ↑ Herbeck, Dan (1991-03-05). "Verdict on Arms Dealer Disputed Lawyer Says Conviction Was Logically Inconsistent". The Buffalo News. Retrieved 2022-07-01.
- ↑ Herbeck, Dan (1990-12-17). "Jury Convicts Avelino on 4 counts in sale of jets is cleared on 5 others, including most serious". The Buffalo News. Retrieved 2022-07-01.
- ↑ "Trafic d'avions de combat". Le Soleil. 1990-12-19. Retrieved 2022-08-26.
- ↑ Herbeck, Dan (1989-02-07). "2 Double Agents Here Help Seize a Spy Suspect". The Buffalo News. Retrieved 2022-07-01.
- ↑ "U.S., Canada Probe Sale of Fuel Laced With Toxins Paper Says Area Bootleggers Added". The Buffalo News. 1989-05-09. Retrieved 2022-07-01.
- ↑ Wickens, Barbara (1989-05-22). "Toxins by truckload Illicit waste-laden fuels enter Canada". Maclean's: 17. Retrieved 2022-08-26.
- ↑ Herbeck, Dan (1991-03-19). "Con Artist Tells Court Police Officials Plotted To 'Nail' Attorney". The Buffalo News. Retrieved 2022-07-01.
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