Dad arrested for "missing" 2-year-old son; father had had custody for past two months (Charleston, South Carolina)

Dad ROGER ANTHONY WILLIAMS has been arrested after police determined that his "missing" 2-year-old son never fell into the water in downtown Charleston as Dad originally reported. Such a coincidence--Daddy has had custody of the boy for the past two months, and was supposed to return the child to his mother just a few days after the boy went "missing." The parents had reportedly been in a "custody battle" (translation: abusive/neglectful father wanted full control of child so as to punish mom/avoid child support).

Note that Daddy Dearest had FOUR OUTSTANDING WARRANTS for his arrest, but got custodial rights to a toddler anyway. And that's not even going into Daddy's drug habits. Still think poor daddies are discriminated against?

http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=12766733

2-year-old boy not in water, but still missing; Father arrested
Posted: Jul 07, 2010 9:45 AM CDT
Updated: Jul 07, 2010 9:45 AM CDT

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - Police have called off the search for a missing toddler near the Battery in downtown Charleston. The boy is still missing, but police say he did not fall in the water as originally reported.

Summerville police helped Charleston police arresting Roger Anthony Williams, 28, the father of missing 2-year-old Rodricus Fred Williams, at an Economy Inn Hotel around 4:00am. Authorities and search teams spent Tuesday night and Wednesday morning looking for Williams' missing son.

Police said they do not believe that 2-year-old Rodricus Fred Williams fell into the water at the Battery, and called off the search just before 7:00am Wednesday. Charleston Police Chief Greg Mullen said the child was never even near the battery, and police have confirmed the story was made up.

Police say Roger Williams had custody of the boy for the past two months, and was supposed to return the child to his mother Tuesday night. The boy's parents are in a custody battle.

A woman, Latrinia Harrison, was present at the time of Roger Williams' arrest early Wednesday morning. "I'm the one you are looking for," police say Williams told them when they entered the room.

During Williams' arrest, a police officer smelled burnt marijuana and when asked, Williams told police he had just smoked marijuana. During a search of the hotel room, officers found three burned hand-rolled marijuana cigarettes.

Williams also had four outstanding warrants for his arrest, and police said he is not cooperating with authorities as they search for his son. Police say they still do not know where the child is.

Rodricus Williams was reported missing around 7:35pm, when initial reports suggested the boy had fallen over the Battery wall. "There is no confirmation the boy fell in the water," said Public Information Officer Mark Ruppel.

Rodricus Williams is described as a 2-year-old black boy with twists in his hair. He was last seen wearing a red shirt, blue jean shorts and black shoes.

The Charleston County Volunteer Rescue Squad, Charleston City Police, the Department of Natural Resources, the Coast Guard and the Charleston County Sheriff's Office are all involved in the search for Rodricus Williams. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the FBI are also involved.