Northville Twp. man sentenced to prison for Snapchat luring of 14-year-old girl

Charles Willis will serve at least 16 years for first-degree criminal sexual conduct and child sexually abusive commercial activity.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A 22-year-old Northville Township man, Charles Willis, was sentenced to 16 to 30 years in prison for first-degree criminal sexual conduct and 10 to 20 years for child sexually abusive commercial activity after pleading guilty to kidnapping and raping a 14-year-old girl he met on Snapchat.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of online predators targeting minors through social media platforms like Snapchat, and the importance of strong law enforcement action and sentencing to protect vulnerable children from such exploitation.

The details

According to authorities, on April 25, 2025, Willis reached out to the 14-year-old girl on Snapchat and arranged for an Uber to bring her to his Northville Township home from her residence about two hours away. Police say Willis then instructed the girl to stay in his basement, and around 5:30 a.m. on April 27, the 14-year-old was found walking alone near Seven Mile and Sheldon roads. Northville Twp. detectives executed a search warrant on Willis' home that same day and he was taken into custody.

  • On April 25, 2025, Willis contacted the 14-year-old girl on Snapchat.
  • Around 5:30 a.m. on April 27, 2025, the 14-year-old girl was found walking alone near Seven Mile and Sheldon roads.
  • On April 27, 2025, Northville Twp. detectives executed a search warrant on Willis' home and he was taken into custody.

The players

Charles Willis

A 22-year-old Northville Township man who pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal sexual conduct and child sexually abusive commercial activity for kidnapping and raping a 14-year-old girl he met on Snapchat.

Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Bradley Cobb

The judge who sentenced Charles Willis to 16 to 30 years in prison.

Maria Miller

The Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor who handled the case against Charles Willis.

Brittany Johnson

The Assistant Prosecutor who worked on the case and the family of the 14-year-old victim expressed gratitude to.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.