Police said the felony charges stem from an incident that began April 25. Through the course of an investigation, Northville Township detectives determined that Willis had contacted a 14-year-old female victim through the social media platform Snapchat. According to police, Willis then arranged and paid for an Uber to bring the juvenile—who resides approximately two hours west of Northville Township—to his Northville Township home.
While at Willis’ residence, the victim was instructed to stay in the basement, according to police reports. At about 5:30 a.m. April 27, the victim was found walking alone in the area of Seven Mile and Sheldon roads, police said. Detectives from the Northville Township Police Department executed a search warrant at Willis’ residence Sunday, April 27. Willis was taken into custody at that time, police said.
Investigators noted that Willis has had prior contacts with other law enforcement agencies related to sexually inappropriate behavior and attempts to entice minor females. His previous contact with Northville Township Police was unrelated to these charges, according to police officials.
This is an active investigation, police said, and anyone who believes they or their child may have been in contact with the suspect, or may be a victim, is urged to contact the Northville Township Police Detective Bureau immediately at (248) 349-9400.
