Father Convicted of Rape and Incest

Child Abuse Prosecutors with DA Charme Allen’s office secured convictions this afternoon for Rape and Incest against William Cole. Assistant District Attorneys Ashley McDermott and Kevin Teeters presented the State’s case to a jury during the two-day trial.

Prosecutors presented evidence following an investigation by Knoxville Police Department Investigator Jonathan Harris and Knox County Sheriff’s Office Detective Alan Merritt that Cole sexually penetrated his thirteen-year-old biological daughter in December 2011.

“Parents are supposed to protect their children not prey upon them,” said General Allen.”Because of the hard work of investigators and prosecutors in this case, this child is now safe.”

The Defendant faces a punishment from eight to twelve years on the Rape count and three to six years on the Incest count. Judge Bob McGee set a sentencing date for June 5.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.