A Michigan man lured a 14-year-old girl through Snapchat, sending an Uber to bring her to his home where he held her captive and sexually assaulted her multiple times, according to police who arrested him after the victim was found wandering alone on local roads.
At a Glance
- Charles Laurence Willis, 22, faces nine felony charges including kidnapping and six counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a 14-year-old girl
- Willis allegedly contacted the victim via Snapchat and paid for an Uber to transport her two hours from her Barry County home to his Northville Township residence
- The teen was forced to stay in Willis’s basement where the alleged assaults occurred
- Willis had a prior accusation from January 2025 for third-degree criminal sexual conduct
- Bond was set at $1 million; police believe there may be additional victims
Social Media Connection Led to Abduction
Charles Laurence Willis, 22, has been charged with nine felonies after allegedly using Snapchat to target and lure a 14-year-old girl to his Northville Township home. According to authorities, Willis contacted the teen through the social media platform and then arranged and paid for an Uber ride to transport her approximately two hours from her home in Barry County to his residence. The Wayne County Prosecutor’s office authorized the charges following his arrest.
The case came to light when the victim was discovered walking alone early Sunday morning along roadways in Northville Township. Police responded to the scene, and their investigation quickly led to Willis. Authorities executed a search warrant at his residence, leading to his immediate arrest. The charges against Willis include kidnapping, enticing a female under 16 for immoral purposes, child sexually abusive activity, and six counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Basement Captivity and Multiple Assaults
The details of the case reveal disturbing allegations about the treatment of the young victim. After arriving at Willis’s home, the teenager was reportedly confined to the basement area where multiple sexual assaults allegedly occurred. Police reports indicate the girl was held against her will during her time at the residence before eventually managing to leave the property, which led to her discovery by authorities.
“After arriving at the home, the teen was told to stay in the basement,” police said.
Following his arrest, Willis was arraigned at the 35th District Court in Plymouth. The court set his bond at $1 million, and he remains in custody at the Wayne County Jail. The legal process is moving forward with a probable cause conference scheduled for May 9, followed by a preliminary examination set for May 16. The severity of the charges reflects the serious nature of the alleged crimes.
Prior Allegations and Police Concerns
This is not Willis’s first encounter with law enforcement regarding allegations of sexual misconduct. According to reports, he was previously accused in January 2025 of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, which typically involves statutory rape charges. This previous accusation adds to the growing concerns that Willis may have victimized other minors in similar fashion, prompting police to issue an appeal for additional information.
“Our real concern is finding out if there’s other victims out there that this individual might have had contact with, and encouraging them to reach out,” urged Lieutenant Patrick Reinke with the Northville Township Police Department.
Northville Township police are actively investigating the possibility of additional victims and have urged anyone with information to contact their Detective Bureau immediately. Law enforcement officials emphasize the importance of monitoring children’s online activities, particularly on social media platforms where predators may seek to establish contact with minors. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of young people using social media and rideshare services.
