ATLANTA (AP) — Comedian Katt Williams faced an initial court appearance Wednesday, a day after he was accused of threatening to kill his bodyguard during an attack inside his Georgia home.
Williams made the threat while an acquaintance beat the bodyguard with a baseball bat and choked him, apparently because the bodyguard didn't engage in criminal activity the comedian wanted him to, according to a statement from Hall County sheriff's Deputy Nicole Bailes.
Authorities didn't say what the criminal activity was. The alleged beating happened Feb. 28, and a day later, Williams was accused of attacking an employee at a swimming pool supply store during an argument.
Williams, 44, faces charges of terroristic threats, false imprisonment and aggravated assault, jail records show. He was to make an appearance Wednesday from the county jail in Gainesville, where a camera system is used for inmates to appear before judges.
Williams' attorney Drew Findling declined to comment until after the hearing.
The comedian, who has appeared in films including "Friday After Next," was taken into custody Tuesday evening, after deputies searched his home in the exclusive Harbour Point neighborhood along the shores of Lake Lanier.
Investigators say they found large amounts of marijuana, along with several firearms inside the home, about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta.
Two women who were at the home also face charges. Tatiana Smith, 24, is accused of beating the bodyguard and choking him. She is charged with aggravated assault and possession of marijuana and an anti-anxiety drug.
Lena Smith, 40, is charged with marijuana possession.
Jail records do not list attorneys for the women.
On Feb. 29, Williams was charged with battery after arguing with a worker at a swimming pool supply store in Gainesville. The worker told deputies Williams went behind the counter and punched him.
