Mobile, AL (BuzzReport) — A Mobile County judge has denied a defense motion seeking to dismiss multiple charges against a former Bayou La Batre police officer accused of sexually assaulting a child, clearing the way for the case to proceed to trial.
William “BJ” Squires faces charges of first-degree rape, second-degree rape, and first-degree sexual abuse in connection with allegations involving a minor.
During a recent court hearing, Squires’ defense attorney argued that the charges stem from the same alleged incident involving the same victim. The defense contended that under Alabama law, Squires should not face multiple charges for what they described as a single course of conduct. Specifically, the attorney requested that the court dismiss the second-degree rape and first-degree sexual abuse counts, asserting that they are duplicative of the more serious first-degree rape charge.
However, the presiding judge rejected that argument, ruling that the charges may proceed as filed. The decision allows prosecutors to present all counts to a jury, which will ultimately determine whether the evidence supports any or all of the charges.
Legal experts note that while defendants cannot be convicted multiple times for the exact same act if it violates double jeopardy protections, prosecutors are often permitted to bring multiple charges forward when different elements of alleged criminal conduct are involved. It is then up to the court and jury to determine how those charges apply based on the evidence presented at trial.
The case is scheduled to go before a jury in Mobile County Circuit Court next week. Further details, including potential witness testimony and evidentiary matters, are expected to emerge as proceedings begin.
Squires remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.