‘Taken aback': Former colleagues of Hillsborough assistant state attorney react to child porn charges
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tampa's tight-knit legal community is reeling from the news that an assistant state attorney was charged with viewing and sharing child pornography.
William Andrew Jones, 32, was arrested Wednesday on child pornography charges. The assistant state attorney for Hillsborough County is accused of viewing and transmitting child pornography.
Hillsborough assistant state attorney arrested on child porn charges: HCSO
Detectives said those files were of girls between 6 and 10 years old engaging in sexual acts.
Defense attorney Shanna Bailey said she spent three years working with Jones as assistant state attorneys.
She was shocked to hear the charges he's now facing.
'Mr. Jones was always a trusted friend and colleague, well-liked and well-respected,' she said. 'I don't think there was anything untoward about his behavior or his prosecutorial conduct that would ever cause anybody to believe anything like this could ever happen.'
'These are just allegations at this point, but I think everybody that worked with him was taken aback,' she continued.
Criminal defense attorney Bryant Camareno echoed that sentiment, saying, while he would defend his clients, Jones would prosecute those facing criminal charges.
'We've been colleagues [and] friendly adversaries,' Camareno said. 'It's been a great relationship and I'm shocked.'
In a statement to 8 On Your Side, State Attorney Suzy Lopez condemned the alleged crimes and said Jones was fired from his position.
I am deeply disturbed and sickened by Andrew Jones' actions, and he was terminated from his position as an Assistant State Attorney immediately following his arrest. As prosecutors, our duty is to protect the public, especially our children. There is no place in this office or community for this behavior. I want to thank law enforcement for their important work in identifying and arresting child predators. No one is above the law, and this office will never tolerate anyone who violates the trust of the people we serve.'
State Attorney Suzy Lopez, 13th Judicial Circuit
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