LANCASTER \u2013 A 61-year-old man was charged with multiple felony counts Tuesday for allegedly snatching a 4-year-old girl from her front yard during a kidnapping that was foiled by the victim\u2019s 13-year-old brother.<\/p>\n
Earl Duane Williams <\/strong>of Los Angeles faces one count each of kidnapping to commit another crime, kidnapping a victim under 14, lewd act upon a child and criminal threats, according to Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami.<\/p>\n The case includes allegations that Williams was previously convicted of crimes including assault on a peace officer and assault with a deadly weapon.<\/p>\n Williams pleaded not guilty in an Antelope Valley courtroom Tuesday afternoon, and a preliminary court hearing was scheduled for Jan. 6, Hatami said.<\/p>\n Williams parked his RV near Kildare Street in Lancaster on Dec. 20; then he grabbed the young victim from her front yard and began to leave the home as she screamed for help, the prosecutor said. Her 13-year-old brother then yelled for help and grabbed his sister’s arm, causing the defendant to leave the girl and flee the scene, the prosecutor added.<\/p>\n Hatami said that after the defendant was arrested and being driven away, he threatened the victim’s mother and said he would come back.<\/p>\n If convicted of all charges, Williams faces a sentence of life in state prison.<\/p>\n The prosecutor is requesting that bail be set at more than $2 million.<\/p>\n The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Lancaster Station.<\/p>\n –<\/p>\n UPDATED 1\/6\/15<\/span>: Following a preliminary court hearing Tuesday, Jan. 6, a judge ruled there was enough evidence for Williams to stand trial for kidnapping to commit another crime, kidnapping a victim under 14, lewd act upon a child and criminal threats. Williams is due back in court Jan. 20. He remains jailed on $2.2 million bail.<\/strong><\/p>\n Previous related stories:<\/p>\n Deputies give gifts to kidnap victim and family<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n