The president of a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentoring and providing scholarships to students in Prince George’s County is facing trial for a second DUI charge. Romel Williams, who leads Joan’s House, was arrested earlier this year following an incident in Suitland where he allegedly drove his vehicle into a garage and another car.
According to court documents, a responding police officer found Williams in the driver’s seat of his Honda Accord, with airbags deployed and displaying signs of intoxication, including glassy eyes and a strong smell of alcohol. A nearly empty bottle of Buzzball Cocktails was reportedly found in the car's center console.
Williams was taken to a police station for field sobriety tests, where he allegedly admitted to consuming alcohol within the past 12 hours. He has not yet entered a plea regarding the charges against him, and his attorney has requested a speedy trial and further evidence from the prosecution.
This case comes on the heels of a prior DWI charge from August 2023, for which Williams completed treatment and was released early from probation. The current trial was postponed last month, and prosecutors are pursuing increased penalties due to his previous conviction.
Joan’s House has been allocated millions in county funds for various programs, including a youth jobs initiative and a Student Leadership Academy, with strong ties to Council member Ed Burroughs. The organization has received scrutiny regarding its funding, as the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission has challenged the appropriateness of these funds for its activities.
Despite the legal troubles, Williams’ nonprofit continues to receive substantial financial support from the county, including a $2 million allocation for fiscal year 2025. The county’s executive office has expressed support for Joan’s House's programming but did not comment on the DUI charges against Williams.
As the trial approaches, the community and local officials await further developments in both the legal proceedings and the nonprofit's ongoing funding situation.
Reported by HarborBeat based on The Baltimore Banner (source).
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