U.S. Marine Schyular Quinton Willis of Sebastian has been sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor into sexual activity online, the United States Attorney’s Office announced in a press release Monday.
On Oct. 4, 2023, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service was contacted by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office about a report of child exploitation, according to court documents.
JSO was called after the victim’s father found text messages between his daughter and Willis. The texts contain several nude photos of the victim. During the investigation, officers learned that Willis, an active duty Marine, had access to the victim and had recently spent time with her in Florida.
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NCIS confirmed that Willis was an active duty lance corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, stationed at Camp Pendleton.
When searching the victim’s phone, NCIS found text conversations between Willis and the victim from July 21, 203 to September 26, 2023. According to the press release, there were multiple discussions about sexual intercourse and the production of child abuse material.
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On October 10, 2023, Wilis was arrested at Camp Pendelton. He admitted to having sexual contact with the victim and said it was a mistake. A search of his cell phone turned up text messages dating back to July 25, 2023, referencing possible sexual activity.
Willis entered a guilty plea on January 31. He has been in custody since his arrest on October 10, 2023.
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