SUMITON — Sumiton police arrested William Goulet of Sumiton at his residence on Chapel Road last week. The police were originally called to the home Wednesday for a welfare check on Goulet after he made threats of suicide. They were able to make contact with Goulet and verify his well being at the time, but were called back to the scene later in the week after his wife received another suicidal message from him.

At that time, Police Chief T. J. Burnett found Goulet in a closet in the house holding a knife to his throat. He was able to talk Goulet into surrendering and took him into custody.

Goulet was facing allegations of sexual abuse of a minor at the time, but had not been formally charged.

Following an interview with the alleged victim and questioning of Goulet, Sumiton police said they were able to obtain a confessions from Goulet. They also obtained warrants for first-degree rape of a child under the age of 12, first-degree sodomy of a child under the age of 12 and sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12.

Goulet is currently being held in the Walker County Jail on $99,000 cash bond.

Sumiton police declined to comment on the likelihood of other victims or additional charges but said the investigation was ongoing.

Burnett also thanked the sheriff’s department for their assistance in the investigation of the charges.

“Children are God’s precious instruments and our job is to protect them and aggressively pursue their predators,” Burnett said.