Florida prisoner Vernon 'Skip' Williams: An innocent man?

FLORIDA, September 16, 2013 — Vernon “Skip” Williams is likely a victim of overzealous and malicious prosecution.

After flying an acquantance, William Hagen, to Texas, Williams and Hagen were returning home to Florida from Texas in a rented Piper PA-28 airplane. Hagen had secretly concealed 65 lbs. of marijuana on board. Also unbeknownst to Williams, Hagen had a criminal history of marijuana distribution.

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SEE RELATED: Evidence suggests an innocent man is sitting in a Florida jail

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Coming out of Louisiana where the DVFR flight plan was misconstrued as a VFR plan, Williams encountered a low cloud ceiling. Because he was not instrument rated, he had to duck beneath the clouds in order to use landmarks for navigation. However, flying this low disrupted radio 

communication to New Orleans International Airport and Williams was directed by air traffic control to communicate with them after he gained altitude.

Having gained altitude, Williams discovered he was out of range of New Orleans International and attempted to contact other airports. Williams then found himself surrounded by two F-16 Navy jet fighter aircraft that had pulled alongside of him and physically signaled him to use radio contact.

At this point, Williams discovered the rented aircraft’s radio had malfunctioned. He attempted to call via emergency channel and found a male voice telling him to contact Tyndall Air Force Base and suggested Williams close out his flight plan upon landing.

The military became involved because of 9/11, which had recently taken place, and because Williams appeared to be headed toward a nuclear power plant. Two hours from Williams intended destination, the F-16’s broke off over the Gulf and disappeared from view.

Williams landed at Crystal Rivers, his point of origin and return destination when his airplane was surrounded by law enforcement, notably the local S.W.A.T. Williams and Hagen were ordered to exit the aircraft and handcuffed.

After it was clear the Williams and Hagen were not a national security concern and the nuclear power plant was never in jeopardy, the two were released. As Williams walked off the tarmac, one of the S.W.A.T. members asked if they could search the plane. Unaware of the contraband in the rear cargo hold, Williams had no hesitation or reservation of what he considered a courtesy to put to rest lingering suspicions and said “Sure, go ahead”.

To Williams stunned surprise, 65 lbs. of marijuana was discovered where it was hidden. Williams glared hard at Hagen who stared at the ground refusing to look in William’s direction. Despite Williams objections, the two were arrested and placed in Citrus County, Florida jail, where Williams telephoned his mother to settle a $250,000 bond.

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