Volusia County man accused of molesting at least 2 foster children placed in his care

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A Volusia County man is accused of molesting at least two foster children placed in his care since the fall of 2020.

Investigators said Lawrence Williams, 48, is accused of molesting at least two foster children who were placed in his home.

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Holly Hill police said they are looking at least two more potential victims who investigators said Williams would take back into this blue shed on his property, known as the punishment room, and sexually abuse them.

The state attorney’s office issued a statement on Friday that Williams had previously been mistakenly issued bond.

They said the office filed a motion to correct the mistake and reinstate the bond. A hearing on that issue is scheduled on Monday.

On Friday, the office also announced that Williams is back in custody and will face additional charges of capital sexual battery and lewd and lascivious molestation.

Investigators said the new charges involve a different child who is also less than 12 years of age.  Williams was served with a no bond warrant for the additional charges at the jail.

“This investigation is ongoing and the State Attorney’s Office is working closely with the Holly Hill Police Department to identify and determine if there are any other victims,” the office said in a statement.

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Williams kept his head down and hands clasped tightly together throughout much of his bond hearing Friday morning.

“What upset me is he’s not the victim in the case although he was acting like it in there, you know these kids, these are the victims,” Holly Hill Police Chief Jeff Miller said.

According to his arrest report, a representative from Neighbor to Family Foster Care in Daytona Beach said she initially “had reservations” about allowing Williams to foster children, but he had passed all background checks and “answered questions appropriately.”

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She said Williams was “extremely anxious to foster children and wanted to foster younger white females.”

Williams is facing one charge of sexual battery on a victim under age 12 and one charge of lewd and lascivious molestation. Officials said additional charges are possible.

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The state said all children in his care were immediately removed from his home following the allegations.

Stay tuned to Channel 9 Eyewitness News starting at 4 p.m. for updates.