> At a Glance
> – Rylee Willis, 21, arrested on four felony counts tied to messages with a 16-year-old
> – Mother discovered the texts on Monday, Jan. 5, and alerted Gwinnett County Police
> – Willis was a probationary sheriff’s deputy at the time; he has since been fired
> – Why it matters: A sworn officer entrusted with public safety now faces child-molestation charges, underscoring the department’s zero-tolerance stance on employee misconduct
A routine check of a 16-year-old’s phone led to the rapid arrest of a Georgia sheriff’s deputy now accused of preying on the teen he met online.
From Text Thread to Arrest
Rylee Willis, 21, was taken into custody on Thursday, Jan. 8, after the girl’s mother uncovered what police describe as inappropriate messages exchanged between her daughter and the adult man.
- Detectives identified Willis on Jan. 5.
- He was still in his two-year probationary period with the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office.
- By the time charges were filed, he had been terminated.
> GCSO statement:
> “Entry-level employees must complete two years of probation before permanent status. The Sheriff’s Office holds its personnel to the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.”
Charges and Custody Status
Court records show Willis faces:
- 2 counts of child molestation
- 2 counts of enticing a child for indecent purposes
He remains in the Gwinnett County Jail without bond while the Special Victims Unit continues its investigation.
Key Takeaways
- A parent’s quick action triggered a three-day investigation ending in arrest.
- Willis had no prior permanent status with the sheriff’s office.
- Officials emphasize that policy requires immediate separation when probable cause exists.
The case is ongoing and additional charges have not been ruled out.
