SAGINAW, MI — Near closing time in September, a disagreement over 50 cents at an Old Town Saginaw bar culminated in gunfire. Now, the man accused of firing the shots has accepted a plea deal, one that carries far less time than the possible life sentence he was initially facing.

Anthony E. Williams, 24, on Nov. 20 appeared before Saginaw County Circuit Judge Manvel Trice III and pleaded guilty to felonious assault, a four-year felony. Prosecutors added the charge while at the same time agreeing to dismiss charges of assault with intent to murder and felony firearm. Assault with intent to murder is punishable by up to life imprisonment, while a felony firearm conviction mandates a two-year prison sentence consecutive with any related stint.

Williams’ advisory sentencing guidelines have be

See Full Page