Man Named "Pookie" Indicted for Forcing a Woman into Prostitution

SAN ANGELO, TX – A Tom Green County Grand Jury indicted a man in February after authorities claim he forced a woman into prostitution. 

According to the indictment William Hollis Jr, 51, on or about the fourth day of December did then and there, by force or threat or coercion, namely physically assault or threatening to kill, caused a woman to commit prostitution. 

The indictment came after Hollis was arrested for compelling prostitution by force and assault to a family member with a previous conviction. 

As previously reported, on December 4, a woman, who was physically assaulted, went into the San Angelo Police Headquarters and made an assault report on Hollis. 

The report stated that she was assaulted and taken to the Shannon Medical Center for treatment of a concussion and bruised ribs. The woman stated that she had a witness that took her to the Shannon. 

The following day, officers met with the victim and noticed bruises on the back side of her forearm consistent with defensive injuries. The affidavit also states that she had injuries to her neck consistent with unwanted contact. The victim told police that she had been locked in a room and was being forced into sex in order to get out of the room. 

On Dec. 6, a complaint was made and a warrant was issued for Hollis for assault to a family/household member with a previous conviction. This complaint stated what they learned the two days prior they met with another witness. This witness told police that they observed Hollis assaulting the victim and told them Hollis' street name, "Pookie." The witness continued by showing them where the assault happened near Pookie's residence. 

The next day, Dec. 7, Hollis was arrested and charged with the assault charge. The affidavit states more witnesses were interviewed and police learned that Pookie allegedly would lock the woman in a room with no way out and force her to prostitute herself in exchange for Hollis to get drugs. The witness also confirmed that the woman escaped on Dec. 4.

Then Monday, Dec. 9, police met with victim who confirmed the allegations of prostitution. She claimed that Hollis threatened her with death and would only let her out of the room in the custody of Hollis to get food. 

The affidavit finished by stating the officer is familiar with Hollis' criminal history, activity, and his known reputation in the particular area of W 20th St. 

Hollis remains in the Tom Green County Jail as of February 14. His bond is set at $250,000.