News Summary
A 22-year-old man from Metro Detroit, Charles Willis, faces nine felony charges for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. The girl escaped after being held hostage in his basement for over 24 hours. The case raises concerns about the dangers of social media, as Willis reportedly contacted the girl via Snapchat. Investigations are ongoing to assess if there are additional victims. The authorities urge parents to monitor their children’s online interactions to enhance safety.
Northville Township Man Charged in Kidnapping and Sexual Assault Case
Northville Township, MI – A 22-year-old Metro Detroit man, Charles Willis, has been charged with kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl from Barry County, Michigan. The girl has since returned home after reportedly escaping her captor, who allegedly held her in his basement for more than 24 hours.
The Northville Township Police Department confirmed the girl’s identity will remain confidential for her protection. Charles Willis was officially arraigned on April 30 in the 35th District Court on nine felony charges. He is currently incarcerated in the Wayne County Jail with a bond set at $1 million, with no option for a 10% payment to secure his release.
The investigation commenced on April 27 after community members reported seeing a teenage girl walking alone early in the morning around 5:30 a.m. on 7 Mile Road near Sheldon Road. When police made contact with her, she disclosed that she had escaped from Willis’s home, where she had been held against her will.
Lieutenant Patrick Reinke from the Northville Township Police praised the girl’s bravery in coming forward with the details of her distressing experience. Investigators discovered that Willis had initiated contact with the girl through the social media platform Snapchat, cultivating a relationship to gain her trust. He allegedly arranged and financed an Uber ride for her, transporting her from her residence in Barry County—approximately two hours away—to his home.
Upon arriving at Willis’s residence, the girl was reportedly instructed to remain in the basement. Authorities are currently probing the situation further, investigating whether any other individuals were present during her captivity and subsequent escape.
Following the girl’s report to law enforcement, detectives executed a search warrant at Willis’s home and arrested him without incident. The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office acted swiftly to file charges against Willis to prevent his release while investigations continued.
Investigators have flagged concerns regarding the possibility of additional victims, as patterns in similar cases suggest that offenders may have prior offenses or additional victims. Reports indicate that Willis has a history of inappropriate behavior toward minors, including past contacts with law enforcement unrelated to this case. Furthermore, he is currently under investigation for a separate criminal sexual conduct charge in Macomb County dating back to January 30, 2025.
Preliminary legal proceedings are scheduled, with a probable cause conference slated for May 9 and a preliminary examination on May 16 to assess the evidence and determine if a trial is warranted. Willis has the option to waive this hearing, potentially expediting the case to the circuit court for negotiations regarding a plea.
In light of this incident, authorities have emphasized the safety risks associated with social media platforms like Snapchat, urging parents to maintain active supervision of their children’s online interactions. The Northville Township Police Departments are encouraging anyone who suspects they or their child may have had contact with Willis to reach out to their Detective Bureau at (248) 349-9400 or to consult with local law enforcement or mental health professionals.
This situation has raised alarms regarding the safety of minors online as communities come to terms with the dangers present when meeting strangers through digital platforms. Law enforcement continues to review the case as it develops and seeks further information that could assist in ensuring the safety and security of other potential victims.
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Additional Resources
- WWMT News
- Wikipedia: Social Media Safety
- Fox 17 News
- Google Search: Northville Man Charged with Kidnapping
- WXYZ News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Safety
- MLive News
- Google News: Kidnapping Case Detroit
