The United States District Court for the District of Delaware is pleased to announce, effective May 4, 2026, the appointment of Butch L. Williams as the next Chief Probation Officer to lead the District’s U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office.   Officer Williams replaces Chief Probation Officer Margaret Bray who retired in September of 2025.

Officer Williams brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served for over 20 years as a probation officer .  He began his career with the United States Probation Office in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania as a summer intern.  Since that time, Officer Williams has worked as a Juvenile Probation Officer, Community Education Partners Liaison, and Special Offender Juvenile Probation Officer for the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania before ultimately joining the District of Delaware’s U.S. Probation Office as a Probation Officer in 2008. He served in both the presentence and post-conviction units before being elevated to the role of Presentence Unit Supervisor in 2022. 

Officer Williams holds a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from St. Joseph’s University as well as a Bachelor of Arts dual Psychology and Criminal Justice degree from Temple University. 

The Probation Office plays a vital role in the Court’s criminal justice mission, providing essential investigative and supervisory services that support the fair and effective administration of justice. The Court has full confidence in Officer Williams’ leadership and in the continued excellence of the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office under his direction.