Police: Katt Williams threatened to kill body guard

ATLANTA -- Comedian Katt Williams faced an initial court appearance Wednesday, a day after he was arrested on charges that he threatened to kill his bodyguard during an attack inside the celebrity's home in Georgia.

Williams threatened the bodyguard with death while an acquaintance beat him with a baseball bat and choked him, according to a statement from Hall County sheriff's Deputy Nicole Bailes.

Williams, 44, faces charges of terroristic threats, false imprisonment and aggravated assault, jail records show. He was to make an appearance Wednesday from the county jail in Gainesville, where a camera system is used for inmates to appear before judges, authorities said.

His representative, Janice Lee, didn't immediately respond to phone and email messages from The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Williams was taken into custody Tuesday evening, after deputies searched his home in the exclusive Harbour Point neighborhood along the shores of Lake Lanier. Deputies said Williams has been the focus of an active investigation by the department since March 1, and their search of the home was part of that probe.

The attack on the bodyguard occurred Feb. 28 inside Williams' home on Lake Breeze Lane, the sheriff's department said in the statement. That was one day before the comedian was accused of attacking an employee at a swimming pool supply store.

"Williams, and several of his associates did confine Corey Dixon (a bodyguard to Williams) after he did not engage in criminal activity as directed by Williams," according to the sheriff's statement, which does not specify what type of criminal activity was at issue.

"Dixon was brought to Williams' residence where he was assaulted with a baseball bat and choked at the hands of 24 year old Tatiana Smith," the statement adds. "Dixon was also threatened by Williams that he would kill him during this assault."

Investigators say they found large amounts of marijuana, along with several firearms inside the home, about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta.

Two women who were at the home face charges, authorities said.

Tatiana Smith, 24, is charged with aggravated assault. She's accused of assaulting the bodyguard with the baseball bat and choking him, authorities said. Smith is also charged with possession of marijuana and having Alprazolam.

Lena Smith, 40, is charged with possession of marijuana.

Jail records do not list attorneys for the women who could be reached for comment.

On Feb. 29, Williams was charged with battery after arguing with a worker at a swimming pool supply store in Gainesville. The worker told deputies Williams went behind the counter and punched him.

The comedian has appeared in films including "Friday After Next."