MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Oral sex, x-rated pictures and an underage girl don’t mix, and according to police, a popular Orange Mound businessman found that out that hard way.
47-year-old William Malone was arrested Wednesday, May 30, after police say he posted pictures of the sex act on Facebook. Despite the charges, Malone's friends are standing behind him.
Most people in Orange Mound know Malone as the man who will feed them when they're hungry. Neighbor and co-worker, Ty Jones says, "He helps them out, he gives them free meals, he says, 'When you get your money come and see me.'"
Malone is the manager at Crumpy's Wings. He gave Jones a job when the economy tanked. Jones says, "It would be a terrible thing to see him go down and convicted or have his name dragged through the mud."
Police raided Malone's home after they were contacted by a 17-year-old girl who told officers she and Malone had sex and he took pictures of her performing oral sex. She told police Malone posted the pictures to Facebook.
When police searched Malone's house on Park Ave., they found the graphic photos of the 47-year-old, with the 17-year-old, on his phone.
Jones says he knows the victim, and says Malone and the girl had a relationship and she lied about her age. "There's a difference between him trailing through the schools looking for a high school student to talk to," Jones says, "He met this young lady at a club, a club you have to be 21 to get in."
Malone is charged with aggravated statutory rape and three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. He is in jail on a $150,000 bond.
