NORFOLK, Va. – A federal judge convicted Charles Willoughby III, 39, today on charges of traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.
According to court records, Charles Willoughby III served as a youth group leader at New Life Worship Center (NLWC) in Norfolk from 2006 to 2012. During this time, he routinely groomed minor teenage girls who were part of the church’s youth program in order to attempt to sexually abuse them.
On June 26, 2012, Jane Doe, who was then 15 years old, and other youth group members boarded a chartered bus from NLWC to travel to Georgia for a national church youth group conference. Willoughby served as one of the chaperones. While on the bus, Willoughby forced Jane Doe to engage in a sexual act.
Jane Doe did not disclose the abuse until 2018, and other victims were identified after that disclosure.
Charles Willoughby III faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison when sentenced on April 19, 2023. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Yusi and Megan Montoya are prosecuting the case.
Related Federal Cases
- William Charles Pelletier, In-Flight Sexual Assault, ME 2017 · Georgia
- Thomas Hill, Enticement of a Minor, FL 2020 · Virginia
- Bristol Man Sentenced for Failing to Register as Sex Offender · Georgia
- Prive Jonathan Tyler, Online Enticement of a Minor, Florida 2013 · Virginia
- Anthony Vincent Burkitt, Failure to Register as Sex Offender, Florida 2023 · Maryland
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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