NORFOLK, Va. — An investigation led by Homeland Safety Investigations Norfolk, generally referred to as HSI Norfolk, led to the Dec. 12 conviction of a Norfolk man on prices of touring with intent to interact in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. Charles Willoughby III, 39, who served as a youth group chief at New Life Worship Heart in Norfolk, faces a most sentence of 30 years in jail for his offenses.
In accordance with the HSI Norfolk investigation, from 2006 to 2012, Willoughby routinely groomed minor teenage ladies who have been a part of the church’s youth program to try to sexually abuse them.
“This conviction sends an essential message to all predators: HSI will use all of our sources to make sure that crimes in opposition to kids is not going to go unpunished,” stated Derek W. Gordon, appearing particular agent in control of HSI Washington. “HSI is devoted to defending our most weak inhabitants in opposition to sexual predators who search to make the most of their innocence. Working with our legislation enforcement companions, we’ll proceed to aggressively shield kids by diligently investigating sexual offenses involving minors.
On June 26, 2012, a 15-year-old lady recognized solely as Jane Doe and different youth group members traveled by bus from the New Life Worship Heart to Georgia for a nationwide church youth group convention.
Willoughby served as a chaperone, and on the bus, he compelled Jane Doe to interact in a sexual act. The lady didn’t disclose the abuse till 2018, and different victims have been recognized after that disclosure.
“I commend this sufferer for coming ahead to reveal the abuse she suffered,” stated Jim Stitzel, assistant particular agent in control of HSI Norfolk. “HSI helps victims of sexual abuse and encourages them to contact legislation enforcement, no matter whether or not the abuse was current or prior to now.”
Willoughby’s sentencing is scheduled for April 19, 2023.
HSI encourages the general public to report suspected baby predators and any suspicious exercise by way of its toll-free tip line at 866-347-2423. This telephone line is staffed across the clock. From outdoors america and Canada, callers ought to dial 802-872-6199. Listening to impaired customers might name TTY 802-872-6196.
This case was introduced as a part of Mission Protected Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in Could 2006 by the Division of Justice to fight the rising epidemic of kid sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. lawyer’s workplaces and the Little one Exploitation and Obscenity Part (CEOS), Mission Protected Childhood marshals federal, state and native sources to raised find, apprehend and prosecute people who exploit kids by way of the web, in addition to to establish and rescue victims.
HSI is the principal investigative arm of the Division of Homeland Safety, accountable for investigating transnational crime and threats, particularly these prison organizations that exploit the worldwide infrastructure by way of which worldwide commerce, journey and finance transfer. HSI’s workforce of over 10,400 staff consists of greater than 6,800 particular brokers assigned to 225 cities all through america, and 93 abroad places in 56 international locations. HSI’s worldwide presence represents the Division of Homeland Safety’s largest investigative legislation enforcement presence overseas and one of many largest worldwide footprints in U.S. legislation enforcement.
