A former FBI agent, Nicholas Anthony Williams, has been convicted of stealing cash, valuables, and other property while executing search warrants, including items taken from the home of a non-violent January 6 defendant. The conviction, tied to a series of thefts spanning years, has further fueled scrutiny of federal law enforcement practices.
Williams, 36, worked in the FBI’s Houston field office since 2019. He was indicted in January 2023 in the Southern District of Texas on charges of theft, fraud, and making false statements. According to court documents, Williams exploited his role as a federal agent to steal money and property during searches, which he then converted for personal use.
The stolen items included cash, silver bars, cell phones, and government-issued property. Williams also made false claims about fraudulent charges on his FBI-issued credit card, alleging they were legitimate case-related expenses. His actions culminated in a September guilty plea, in which he confessed to five thefts committed between 2020 and 2023.
Williams’ mugshot after he was booked in January 2024
One of Williams’ theft victims was Alexander Fan, a Houston college student who had been sentenced to 12 months of probation for peacefully protesting inside the Capitol during the January 6 riot. Fan was charged with non-violent trespassing misdemeanors, and his home was searched by the FBI in June 2023.
According to court filings, Fan reported several missing items from his bedroom, including $1,500 in cash and silver bars. These items were not listed among those seized under the search warrant. Fan’s attorney, Mark Thering, expressed hope for the eventual return of his client’s stolen property.
“We’re hoping to get something done in the next few weeks,” Thering said. “I’m glad to hear that action has been taken.”
Williams’ thefts were not limited to Fan’s case. In one instance in December 2020, he admitted to embezzling $1,200 during a search in Houston. In another theft in 2022, Williams pocketed $4,000 in cash during a raid. From March 2022 to July 2023, he continued his illicit activities, stealing from multiple residences during FBI operations.
Court documents revealed that Williams used the stolen funds to purchase firearms and attempted to sell the stolen silver bars to various buyers. In addition to theft, he pawned FBI-owned property for personal financial gain.
Williams’ crimes came to light after internal investigations and complaints from victims like Fan. U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Hanen accepted his guilty plea in September. Williams is now awaiting sentencing, scheduled for July 13, and faces up to 10 years in prison along with a potential $250,000 fine.
Prosecutors described his actions as a gross abuse of his position and a betrayal of the public trust. In a statement, U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani emphasized the importance of holding federal agents accountable.
“This conviction demonstrates that no one, not even those sworn to uphold the law, is above it,” Hamdani said.
The case has drawn attention to the oversight of law enforcement agencies and the potential for abuse of power. Critics argue that incidents like this undermine public trust in institutions like the FBI.
The fact that Williams targeted a non-violent January 6 defendant has further inflamed political tensions. Many supporters of the defendants argue that federal agencies have disproportionately targeted individuals involved in the Capitol riot, and cases like this add fuel to their claims.
While Williams’ guilty plea marks a significant step toward justice, questions remain about how the FBI plans to prevent similar misconduct in the future. Calls for increased transparency and stronger oversight have grown louder, with critics demanding reforms to ensure federal agents are held accountable for their actions.
As for Alexander Fan, his attorney remains focused on recovering the stolen property. “The theft added insult to injury for my client,” Thering said. “We’ll continue to push for full restitution and accountability.”
Williams’ case serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity in law enforcement. While the FBI has taken steps to address this specific instance of misconduct, restoring public confidence will require more than just prosecuting one rogue agent. It demands systemic changes to ensure such breaches of trust are never repeated.
The sentencing in July will determine the extent of Williams’ punishment. For now, his conviction stands as a stark example of the consequences of abusing a position of power
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