Four Arrested in Multi-Agency Child Exploitation Investigation in Georgia
SWAINSBORO, GA – Four individuals were arrested and charged following a coordinated multi-agency investigation into crimes against children, including sex trafficking, production of child sexual abuse images, and enticement of a minor.
The investigation involved the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the District Attorney’s Office for the Middle Judicial Circuit of Georgia (MJC), the Emanuel and Candler County Sheriff’s Offices, Swainsboro and Savannah Police Departments, Sandy Springs Police, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
The defendants are:
- Jhirmichael Williams, 34, charged with sex trafficking of a minor and production of child pornography.
- Bryon Willis, 53, 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, 35, charged with production of child pornography and aiding and abetting.
- Samantha Bradford, 30, charged with production and attempted production of child pornography, and aiding and abetting.
U.S. Attorney Meg Heap praised the collaborative effort, stating, “This investigation is a great example of multi-agency cooperation leading to the identification and arrest of those who sexually exploit children and ensuring no continued harm came to their victims.”
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown added, “Few crimes are more disturbing than those that target children. The exploitation these victims endured is heartbreaking, but these arrests show what can be accomplished when dedicated law enforcement partners work together.”
Middle Judicial Circuit District Attorney Tripp Fitzner emphasized the importance of protecting children, calling the case a “textbook example of multi-agency cooperation.” Emanuel County Sheriff Jeffrey L. Brewer described the acts as “horrendous” and underscored that there will be no tolerance for crimes against children.
Criminal complaints contain only charges; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
