The criminal case involving Shirley Strawberry’s ex-husband took another serious turn.
According to WSB-TV, during a status hearing in Fulton County, prosecutors revealed they are trying to fold a new January 2026 indictment into the already massive racketeering case against Earnest Williams.
The latest filing adds rape and sexual battery charges to the dozens of fraud allegations Williams has been facing since 2024.
Williams was first indicted on 39 counts after investigators accused him of running a years-long scheme that stretched from 2009 through 2022. Prosecutors say he presented himself as a wealthy, connected businessman, then used that image to gain the trust of mostly female victims.
Authorities also allege Williams promised to help launch businesses, secure investments, build brands, or create new opportunities—only to leave victims without their money, vehicles, trailers, RVs, and other property.
At least 25 people were allegedly scammed out of more than $750,000.
The case escalated dramatically in January, when prosecutors added rape and sexual battery charges to the existing RICO indictment. Authorities have not yet publicly detailed the allegations.
Williams was once married to Shirley Strawberry, longtime co-host of The Steve Harvey Morning Show. Strawberry has been one of the most recognizable voices in urban radio for decades, helping Steve Harvey build the nationally syndicated show into a powerhouse heard in more than 60 markets and by nearly eight million listeners.
Prosecutors now say Williams allegedly used that marriage as part of the scam.
“He would pretend to be a legitimate businessman, but he was stealing from people,” Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis previously said.
Investigators believe Williams used his connection to Strawberry to make himself appear successful and trustworthy. Prosecutors also allege he knowingly married Strawberry while still legally married to another woman.
“We believe she met a man, fell in love and married him, and the truth is at the time he was already married to someone else,” Willis said.
The indictment also names co-defendant Ericka King, who pleaded guilty in 2024 and is expected to testify against Williams at trial. Authorities say King impersonated attorneys during court hearings and helped further the alleged operation. King later claimed she had also been manipulated by Williams.
As attorneys continue debating whether the new sexual assault allegations will be combined with the original RICO indictment, Williams remains in custody, and no trial date has been set.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, help is available. Contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 or visit RAINN.org for free, confidential support 24 hours a day.
