Judge denies improper relations with driver

EAST PROVIDENCE, R .I. (WPRI) - Former Rhode Island Supreme Court Chief Justice Frank Williams says he did not have an inappropriate relationship with his driver, Pamela DosReis.

Williams gave his first television interview since the scandal broke exclusively to Target 12 Investigator Tim White Thursday afternoon.

The judge and Lincoln scholar was at the center of a contentious divorce case between DosReis and her husband Frank.

During court proceedings, lawyers for Frank DosReis accused Williams of being overly involved in the couple's life; including staying at the couple's Johnston home several times a week, having his own key, and being involved with the raising of DosReis's 6-year-old daughter, who is also Williams' Goddaughter.

During his sit-down interview with White, Williams denied he had a sexual relationship with Pamela DosReis. He also denied being the father of the girl.

White: "Are you the biological father to that 6-year-old girl?"

Williams: "Of course not. And, I know you felt you had to ask but it's outrageous to ask it. In view especially of the relationship that Virginia, my wife, and I have had with them."

When questioned about how unusual the relationship seemed to be, Williams said it was blown out of proportion in court.

"It was distorted and misrepresented as to the number of times I spent at the house or slept there," Williams said. "This was not as extensive as it was portrayed in the Journal or by Frank DosReis in testimony."

When asked if he crossed the line between a boss and an employee, Williams said he did not.

"I can see why the question would be asked," Williams said. "I wasn't really her boss because she worked in the Sheriff's Department. She had a separate chain of command."

Williams retired as Chief Justice in December. He was hearing cases on an interim basis until last month when he asked the Court not to assign him any new cases fearing he would become a distraction.

The DosReis family recently reached a divorce settlement. However, Williams is still barred from seeing his Goddaughter until the divorce is finalized in about three months.

Thursday night on Eyewitness News at 11, Judge Williams answers more questions about his relationship with the little girl, including allegations about watching her bathe and his role in the DosReis' divorce.