An East Texas former teacher will now spend decades behind bars after pleading guilty to a string of disturbing sex crimes.
Hillary Danielle Williams, 34, once a math teacher at Wells Independent School District, entered guilty pleas this week to indecency with a child by sexual contact, possession with intent to promote child pornography, and bestiality, according to Angelina County Jail records.
Judge Todd Kassaw handed down a 20-year sentence for indecency with a child and another 20 years for possession with intent to promote child pornography. Williams also received two years for the bestiality charge. It has not yet been clarified whether those sentences will run at the same time or back-to-back.
The case first exploded in February 2025, when Williams and another individual were arrested after investigators allegedly discovered explicit images involving an elementary school-aged child. Authorities also reportedly found a video on a cellphone that allegedly showed Williams engaged in a sex act with a male dog.
Officials have not publicly disclosed what initially led them to search the devices.
Despite the severity of the allegations, Williams was released on a $350,000 bond. But just months later, in June 2025, she was arrested again by Angelina County Sheriff’s Office deputies after a child reported inappropriate sexual contact, according to local reports.
Following her initial arrest, Williams resigned from her position at Wells ISD.
The shocking case has rattled the small East Texas community, particularly given Williams’ former role working closely with students.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, you can text “STRENGTH” to 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor through the Crisis Text Line. Help is available.
Maybe she would come to her senses while in prison