Judge quashes subpoenas to witnesses in ex-Vols’ rape case
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Former University of Tennessee football players A.J. Johnson and Michael Williams face a hurdle in their attempts to obtain social media communications from witnesses for their upcoming rape trials.
Knox County Criminal Court Judge Bob McGee granted the state’s motion Tuesday to quash subpoenas that were issued to those witnesses, including the woman who says the men raped her.
McGee previously said lawyers for the two could obtain certain witness cellphone and social media communications. In his ruling Tuesday, McGee said defense lawyers still can try obtaining those communications from service providers, but not from the witnesses themselves.
Williams’ trial date has been delayed multiple times over the issue. A new trial date hasn’t been set. Johnson’s trial is scheduled for June 27. Each faces two counts of aggravated rape.
