BURKE COUNTY, Ga. — As the federal case against former Burke County Sheriff Alfonzo Williams moves forward, some of the people who have known him for decades are sharing why they continue to stand behind him.

Stephanie Winfrey, a longtime family friend, says she has known Williams for most of her life and throughout his decades-long career in law enforcement. She says the allegations have been difficult to process.

“When the indictment first came down, you know, it hit me like a ton of bricks,” she said. “Even though I was aware of it, I just could not see how any of this could have happened because I know who he is.”

She says the case has also taken an emotional toll on Williams' friends and family, adding that Williams has been reassuring those around him that he is doing OK.

The longtime friend also expressed her personal belief that Williams is being targeted and that there is an effort to damage his reputation and future. Despite that, she says she believes the impact he made on people in Burke County will remain.

 

 
 
 
 

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