SAN DIEGO — Michael Anthony Williams, the 18-year-old San Ysidro High School basketball star and Memphis Tigers recruit, pleaded not guilty in court Thursday morning.
Williams was arrested last week in Jamul, California. He is facing five charges of assault with a deadly weapon as well as one count of firing a deadly weapon at an occupied vehicle. He appeared in court virtually, from an unknown location. His defense attorney appeared in person.
Williams remains out of custody on a $50,000 bail. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 28 years behind bars.
He was ordered to stay away from the five victims. He was also told he cannot possess any firearms or ammunition.
"This situation is stressful for him," said defense attorney Troy Owens. "He’s trying as an 18-year-old to process this. And he’s doing ok under the current situation."
Owens would not say where Williams is located right now. He said the teen has received threats on social media, and has security with him.
Prosecutors said Williams is not receiving any special treatment, and all defendants facing certain charges, have the right to choose to appear virtually.
Williams, born June 26, 2004, was arrested at his house Friday in the 2600 Block of Bratton Valley Road in Jamul said Lt. Carpenter with San Diego Sheriff's Department.
According to the Sheriff's Department, on March 27, a verbal argument occurred at Williams' house, which led to five people getting into a car and leaving. Shots were fired at the car. No one was injured, but the car was hit by gunfire.
Three of the five people in the car at the time were minors, the San Diego Sheriff's Department said.
The incident was reported to the Rancho San Diego Sheriff's Station and Rural Command the next day, March 28.
A search warrant for the house was carried out Thursday, when Williams was arrested.
Shortly after his release, the Instagram account belonging to Williams was deactivated.
Williams, a five-star recruit, is the #6 combo guard and 26th overall player in the 2023 class, according to 247 Sports Composite. He committed to the University of Memphis in November, 2022, during a campus visit just days before the start of the 2022-2023 season.
In a brief statement, a spokesperson with the University of Memphis said they are aware of the situation, and are gathering more information.