A former DeSoto County, Florida, sheriff's deputy entered a last-minute plea deal after he was arrested in 2022 for setting a home on fire with his family inside.
Brian Williams, who worked for the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office at the time, was charged with arson, domestic battery and two counts of violation of an injunction for protection against domestic violence.
At the time of the incident, Williams and his wife were in the midst of a divorce.
The trial was set to begin on Monday at 9 a.m. in the DeSoto County Courthouse in Arcadia.
At the last minute, Williams entered a plea deal to avoid trial and prison time by putting him on probation for one year. He was also sentenced to 100 hours of community service, restricted contact with the victim and barred from returning to the property where the incident happened.
Williams' wife at the time told authorities she was trying to avoid him on March 26 as he was becoming violent. She said she was gathering her things to leave when Williams reportedly began breaking things and tackled her.
According to reports, Williams let go of her when the children came into the room.
Williams then reportedly grabbed a torch and set the bed on fire, as well as other items in the house.
Deputies did not arrest Williams or his wife the night of the incident.
Three weeks later, Williams' wife filed a domestic violence injunction and said the abuse had been ongoing for six to seven years, but she didn't want to press charges.
DOWNLOAD the free NBC2 News app for your latest news and weather alerts.