News Summary
A 22-year-old man, Charles Laurence Willis, has been arrested in Northville, Michigan, and faces multiple felony charges, including kidnapping and sexual assault of a minor. Following serious allegations related to the confinement of a 14-year-old girl, Willis is currently held on a $1 million bond. He also faces charges in a separate case involving a 15-year-old girl. Authorities are urging anyone who may have been victimized by him to come forward, emphasizing the importance of safety for minors interacting online.
Northville, Michigan – A 22-year-old man, Charles Laurence Willis, has been arrested and charged with kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. The nature of the allegations is serious, prompting a significant bond set at $1 million in Wayne County, as he faces multiple felony counts associated with the incident.
The charges against Willis include nine felony counts filed on April 30, which encompass kidnapping, enticing a minor for immoral purposes, child sexually abusive activity, and six counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. The incidents reportedly occurred after the victim was lured to Willis’s home through the social media platform Snapchat. Upon arrival, it is alleged that the girl was transported by the assistance of an Uber driver and subsequently confined in the basement of Willis’s residence.
In addition to the kidnapping and sexual assault charge, Willis is also facing charges stemming from a separate case in Macomb County involving a 15-year-old girl, to whom he misrepresented his age as 16. In this case, Willis has been charged with two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. This separate case had previously seen charges filed in January, with an initial bond set significantly lower at $5,000.
The combined bond for Willis across both counties now totals $1,250,000 as authorities increase their scrutiny of his actions. Willis has upcoming court appearances, including one for the Wayne County case scheduled for May 9, and a pre-trial conference for the Macomb County case slated for May 22. Legal professionals involved expect the proceedings to delve deeply into the recent charges and previous conduct.
Concern regarding potential further victims has arisen due to Willis’s history with law enforcement, where inappropriate conduct towards minors was noted in prior incidents. This information has led the Northville Township Police Department to encourage any individuals who may have had contact with Willis or who believe they have been victimized by him to come forward. The police are actively reaching out to the community for cooperation in uncovering any additional instances of misconduct.
Victims or witnesses are requested to contact the Northville Township Police Department at 248-349-9400 or the Roseville Police Department at 586-775-2100 for further assistance. The police are committed to ensuring that all incidents involving Willis are thoroughly investigated and that any other victims receive the support and justice they deserve.
This incident underscores the need for vigilance concerning the safety of minors online, emphasizing that parents, guardians, and young people themselves should remain aware of the risks posed by social media interactions. As this case unfolds, it serves as a somber reminder of the responsibilities we all share in protecting vulnerable members of the community.
The ongoing legal situation involving Willis will be monitored closely as authorities and community members await further developments in these serious and troubling allegations.
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Additional Resources
- Click On Detroit: Bond Increased for Northville Man
- Wikipedia: Kidnapping
- CBS News: Northville Township Kidnapping
- Google Search: Northville Kidnapping
- MLive: Man Accused of Kidnapping Teen
- Google Scholar: Sexual Assault of Minors
- Fox 17: Barry County Teen Rescued
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Assault
Author: STAFF HERE PLYMOUTH WRITER
The PLYMOUTH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPlymouth.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Plymouth, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Plymouth Ice Festival, Art in the Park, and the Plymouth Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Plymouth, plus leading businesses in automotive and retail that power the local economy such as Roush Industries and Downtown Plymouth businesses. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HERENovi.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
