Former Loudoun County Supervisor Shawn Williams announced Monday he is seeking help for alcohol abuse, following his arrest for allegedly pushing his way into a neighbor's home and assaulting the resident.
Williams, 44, resigned from the Loudoun County board Sunday in the wake of his arrest.
On Monday, he released a statement saying that it has "become painfully clear" that he needs help dealing with alcohol abuse.
Williams was arrested around 1 a.m. Sunday, after Loudoun County sheriff's deputies were called to an Ashburn home on Wingfoot Court. He was taken to the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center and charged with two misdemeanors of simple assault and unlawful entry.
Loudoun County Board Chairman Scott York issued a statement Sunday morning, seeking Williams' immediate resignation from the Board of Supervisors.
"While the Board does not have the authority to remove him from office, I am asking Supervisor Williams to resign his position on the Board of Supervisors effectively immediately," York said. "I am grateful to Supervisor Williams for his service to the county and to the Broad Run District, and my thoughts are with him and his family at this difficult time."
A statement from the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors later confirmed Williams had resigned. The board said the process of naming a replacement will happen as quickly as possible.
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Williams released a statement Monday apologizing to his family, family and constituents "for this disappointment."
The statement continued:
"On Saturday night after a long neighborhood party, I confronted my good friend and neighbor after he gave me what I know was intended as friendly advice. I want to specifically apologize to him and his family for my actions. This poor decision highlights a personal shortcoming that can no longer be denied or compartmentalized. It has become painfully clear I need help with my alcohol abuse and I am getting professional help. Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers at this time."
This is not the first time that the Republican former supervisor has been arrested. Williams dropped out of the race for board chairman earlier this year, when past drunken driving charges and allegations of domestic violence against a former girlfriend surfaced.
