To the Honorable Wake County District Attorney’s Office, Wake County Superior Court, and Wake County Officials: We, members of the public are concerned community members, respectfully request a fair review of the pretrial bond and treatment of Rafael Stefan Williams, currently held on a bond of approximately $2,250,000 in Wake County, North Carolina. According to public records and media reports, Mr. Williams faces nonviolent financial allegationsincluding: Four counts of obtaining property by false pretense valued at $100,000 or more (alleged)
One count of obtaining property by false pretense (lesser amount)
Five counts of financial transaction fraud
Five counts of accessing computers (using devices to manipulate payment systems)
Nineteen counts of identity theft
The alleged total loss cited in reports is approximately $495,904.62, involving Duke Energy accounts. While we understand the seriousness of these allegations, we strongly believe that a $2+ million bond for a nonviolent offense is excessive and inconsistent with principles of fair justice and proportionality. Mr. Williams is nearing completion of his bachelor’s degree and has children and family members who depend on him daily. He has shown commitment to bettering himself through education and to being a present, active member of his community. Detaining him under such high bond conditions—when there are no indications of violence or threat to public safety—creates unnecessary hardship on his family and undermines his ability to participate meaningfully in his own legal defense. We therefore call on the Wake County District Attorney’s Office, the Superior Court, and all relevant officials to: Substantially reduce Mr. Williams’s bond to a reasonable level that reflects the nonviolent nature of the charges.
Consider noncustodial alternatives such as electronic monitoring, pretrial supervision, or other conditions ensuring his appearance in court. Recognize his strong community ties, educational achievements, and family responsibilities as indicators of stability and accountability. Every individual deserves fair and equal treatment under the law, and excessive bond should never be used as a form of punishment before conviction. We believe in a justice system that upholds fairness, humanity, and opportunity for rehabilitation and progress. We, the public, stand together in calling for justice, fairness, and proportionality in Rafael Stefan Williams’s case. — “We just want fairness and a chance for him to come home to his family.” Signed,
The Concerned Public and Supporters of Justice in Wake County and surrounding areas