William Morris Whatley II (Source: Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Office)An Alexander City man is behind bars after he was arrested in what police call a “revenge porn” case.
Alexander City Police Department officers arrested William Morris Whatley II, 30, June 12.
Alex City Police Chief Jay Turner said this all stemmed from a domestic violence situation. Police reports show the victim filed a petition for a Protection from Abuse order on May 30 against Whatley, her ex-boyfriend. Subsequently Whatley was charged with third-degree domestic violence charges.
Court documents indicate the victim was meeting with an officer about the domestic violence case when she received a message from a friend showing a sexually explicit video. That’s when the victim was advised to see another officer and file an additional report for a “Revenge Porn” charge.
The victim and Whatley went before a judge related to the protection from abuse order on June 12.
Court records indicate that after the hearing Whatley sent a message to the victim threatening to kill her and her mother, which prompted further action. Documents were signed for harassing communications, violating the Domestic Violence Protection Order enforcement Act and distribution of private image with intent to harass, coerce or intimidate. Whatley was then arrested.
Turner said this situation is common in domestic violence relationships. He also said Whatley attempting to use the video as leverage over the victim allowed officers to hand down the charge.
“This a prime example of why the law was put out there,” said Turner.
Turner went on to say that revenge porn law, which went into effect in 2017, is a good tool the police department can use in domestic violence situations.
Last Wednesday a judge ordered Whatley be held in the Tallapoosa County Jail without bond. He has a scheduled hearing on Sept. 11.
