Multi-Agency Investigation Leads to Multiple Arrests for Child Exploitation Offenses

Multi-Agency Investigation Leads to Multiple Arrests for Child Exploitation Offenses

SWAINSBORO, GA:  United States Attorney Meg Heap announced today that after a multi-agency investigation, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the District Attorney’s Office for the Middle Judicial Circuit of Georgia (MJC), the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Candler County Sheriff’s Office, the Swainsboro Police Department, the Savannah Police Department, and the Sandy Springs Police Department, four individuals were arrested and charged by federal complaint with various offenses against children, including sex trafficking of a child, the production of child sexual abuse images, and enticement of a minor.

The complaints name the following defendants:

• Jhirmichael Williams, a 34-year-old male, charged with sex trafficking of a minor and production of child pornography.
• Bryon Willis, a 53-year-old male, charged with sex trafficking and attempted sex trafficking of a minor, enticement and attempted enticement of a minor, and possession of child pornography.
• Samantha Reese, a 35-year-old female, charged with the production of child pornography, and aiding and abetting.  
• Samantha Bradford, a 30-year-old female, charged with the production and attempted production of child pornography, and aiding and abetting.

“This investigation is a great example of multi-agency cooperation leading to the identification and arrest of those who sexually exploit children and to ensuring no continued harm came to their victims,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “We will continue to partner with our federal, state, and local counterparts to ensure perpetrators are identified and children saved from further unspeakable sexual acts.”

“Few crimes are more disturbing than those that target children,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The exploitation these victims endured is heartbreaking, but these arrests show what can be accomplished when dedicated law enforcement partners come together to protect the most vulnerable among us. The FBI will continue to stand with our partners and our communities to ensure those who harm children are held accountable.”

“There is no greater purpose as District Attorney than protecting children from abuse,” said MCJ District Attorney Tripp Fitzner. “This case was a textbook example of multi-agency cooperation and demonstrates what can be accomplished when we work together. My sincere thanks to United States Attorney Heap and her Assistant United States Attorneys and the FBI for their dedication to assisting us in protecting children in Emanuel County and beyond.”

“When MJC DA Fitzner and I were briefed by our staff, we realized this investigation would span several jurisdictions. Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney Meg Heap and the FBI were contacted. They immediately responded with all their resources, uncovered a tremendous amount of evidence, and arrested four individuals quickly. I appreciate their willingness to respond and their speed in resolving this case,” said Emanuel County Sheriff Jeffrey L. Brewer. “These are horrendous acts against innocent children who have absolutely no control over their circumstances. These acts carry a lifetime of devastating consequences for these children. There will be no tolerance for this!”

Criminal complaints contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The investigation continues. The FBI urges anyone with information about this case, or similar activities, to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI.