By JIM BUTLER

Accused child rapist Israel Williams is back in Rapides custody, awaiting the next step in the judicial process. He is accused of 98 counts of 1st degree rape, 2 counts of molestation of child under age 13, obstruction by aggravated assault/battery, issuing worthless checks and contempt. His bail is almost $5.5 million.

Williams, first charged in March 2022, was scheduled for trial last September.

But after reviewing the findings of a court-appointed sanity commission Judge Mary Doggett ruled him unable to proceed and ordered him committed to East Feliciana State Hospital until determined fit to proceed.

His alleged crimes occurred between June 2018 and December 2021. The investigation and arrest came after Florida authorities alerted the parish to alleged sex trafficking involving a minor from Rapides.