Reality TV star and real estate developer convicted of sexual battery of teen, receives probation

Texas real estate developer and reality TV personality William Hutchinson in court in 2022.Photo byKCLA News

Texas real estate developer and reality TV personality William Hutchinson pleaded guilty on April 29, to misdemeanor sexual battery for assaulting an unconscious 16-year-old girl at his vacation home in Laguna Beach in 2021.

Four other counts of sexual battery and one count of rape were dismissed for lack of evidence against Hutchinson, 65.

Hutchinson faced a maximum of six months in county jail however, he was placed on three years probation and ordered to register as a sex offender.

Hutchinson was accused of sexually assaulting two 16-year-old girls whom he brought with him from Texas during several trips to his Laguna Beach residence, according to the initial complaint.

Prosecutors alleged that Hutchinson raped one of the teenagers and committed acts of sexual battery against her in April 2021 and was accused of committing sexual battery against the second girl during another visit a month later.

One of the victims, while sobbing, stated to the court after Hutchinson pleaded guilty Monday that she was warned not to come forward about what happened to her by the prominent real estate developer and that no one would believe her.

“I spent several of my teenage years seeking justice and was too young to know how flawed the legal system can be,” she told the court in tears. “I have a true understanding of why victims don’t go to the police or have no faith in the justice system.”

She told the court that as bad as it is, she still encourages victims to come forward but added that her trauma will never go away but she continues to try to trust people and form new relationships.

“Sorry Bill Hutchinson, you finally messed with the wrong girl,” she said, uncontrollably sobbing.

Michelle Simpson Tuege, an attorney representing the three women, told the OC Register she is heartened that a victim came forward in the case.

“I applaud the courage of this survivor, whose bravery in coming forward not only led to a measure of justice for what she went through but also helped shine a light on the actions of a man who is now a registered sex offender,” Tuege told the Register. “It is not easy to come forward against a public person and stand in your truth waiting years for a court date, but this survivor’s courage shows the potential impact of every voice.”

Hutchinson, who starred in the Lifetime reality TV series “Marrying Millions” and whose company, Dunhill Partners, owns the Laguna Design Center in Laguna Niguel, will get to serve his probation in his main home in Dallas.

This comes a week after OCDA Todd Spitzer claimed on Instagram that victims are of his utmost concern.

“The need for awareness and understanding of victims' needs is always top priority. Crime Survivors works with victims of crime to recover from their experience mentally, physically, emotionally and financially by receiving the respect, support and protection of law enforcement, the judicial system and the community,” Spitzer said on Instagram.