Superintendent Ken Williams during an Orange County Board of Education meeting Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022, at the Orange County Office of Education in Costa Mesa. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Registrar/SCNG)
Orange County School Board Director Ken Williams and a 20-year-old man were charged with assault and battery last year after an altercation in Silverado. The man, Kayden O'Malley, recently filed a civil lawsuit against Williams.
Kimberly Edds, spokeswoman for the Orange County District Attorney's Office, said the March 11, 2023, altercation between Williams and O'Malley was reviewed by sheriff's deputies and both men were issued citations. .
“Based on the totality of the evidence, prosecutors determined that they were unable to prove beyond a reasonable doubt who the primary perpetrator was,” Eds said. Mutual combat based on effective self-defense theory by both sides. ”
O'Malley filed a civil lawsuit on January 17, alleging that he suffered “severe physical and emotional injuries” in the altercation with Williams.
The complaint alleges that O'Malley encountered Williams' car blocking traffic in his Silverado. While both vehicles were in motion, Williams repeatedly slammed on the brakes in front of O'Malley, prompting O'Malley to pull over, police said. Williams also stopped and approached O'Malley's car, “yelled insults” and “kicked the vehicle,” according to the complaint. O'Malley got out of his car and approached Williams' car to take a photo of the license plate, at which point Williams allegedly lunged at him and knocked his cellphone out, according to the complaint.
Williams then threw O'Malley to the ground, climbed on top of her and began strangling her, according to the complaint.
Williams, who is running for re-election to the OCBE seat, initially declined to comment, citing “advice from his attorney.” But Williams said in an email: “My political opponents in this campaign and election cycle, in addition to attacking my personal and professional career and character, have a message for voters on March 5th. “I haven't.”
“During my 28 years as an elected county board of education director, my political opponents have focused on supporting teachers, conservative governance positions of a ‘back to basics’ curriculum, approval of strong public charter schools, has attacked claims of choice, protection of innocence, etc. These include reducing the number of children, ensuring parents' right to direct their children's upbringing, combating drugs, and advocating for children with disabilities,” Williams said.
Nancy Watkins, who is running against Williams for the OCBE seat, said in an email that she was “deeply concerned” about the allegations in the lawsuit.
“This allegation details acts of violence and assault against a 20-year-old boy. “This raises serious concerns about his suitability for the position,” she said.
Williams said he has had a “spotless” career, citing his medical background and service as a reservist with the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
O'Malley's attorney, Robert Vana, declined to comment.
Mr. Williams represents OCBE's Administrator Area 3, which includes parts of Brea, Yorba Linda, Villa Park, Irvine, Fullerton, Orange, Anaheim and La Habra. He was first elected to the board in 1996 and is facing one challenger in the March 5 primary vote.
A hearing on the case is scheduled for August 5th.
