EMANUEL COUNTY, Ga. () – A significant breakthrough in a child exploitation and trafficking investigation was announced by District Attorney Tripp Fitzner and Emanuel County Sheriff Jeffery Brewer, resulting in several arrests.

Four individuals are now facing federal charges, including allegations of child sexual abuse, producing child pornography, and the trafficking of minors, as detailed in the criminal complaint filed by prosecutors.

The complaint specifically identifies the individuals involved:

• Jhirmichael Williams, a 34-year-old male
• Bryon Willis, a 53-year-old male
• Samantha Reese, a 35-year-old female
• Samantha Bradford, a 30-year-old female

These individuals are charged with engaging in various criminal actions associated with the sexual abuse and exploitation of minors, which also includes the creation and distribution of child pornography.

The investigation kicked off following the District Attorney’s office’s examination of evidence retrieved from a search warrant executed on Bryon Willis’s cell phone.

The contents of the phone reportedly revealed graphic and disturbing child exploitation material. Willis was charged with several offenses, including the sexual exploitation of children.

As the investigation unfolded, agents discovered additional videos and photographs and communications indicating multiple people allegedly involved in the abuse and exploitation of minors.

Investigators uncovered communications indicating that one of the victims was a child of one of the suspects. These communications also revealed that subject financed and coordinated sexual acts with the minor for sexual gratification.

In multiple interviews with investigators, Samantha Reese said Jhirmichael Williams had coerced and forced her, along with other individuals, to engage in sexual acts with minors, Reese identified others, including Samantha Bradford, who is believed to have assisted in the production of child exploitation materials.

Williams allegedly used his phone to record several instances of child sexual abuse and then blackmailed those involved.

Investigators also uncovered videos of minors being coerced into engaging in sexual acts with both Reese and other adults, with Williams recording the actions.

The individuals named in the complaint face serious federal charges, including:

• Sex trafficking of minors
• Production of child pornography
• Possession of child pornography
• Enticement and attempted enticement of minors
• Aiding and abetting the production and distribution of child pornography

Law enforcement said that these charges are based on evidence, including video recordings, images, text message communications, and testimonies from the victims.

The investigation is ongoing. Authorities urge anyone with information about to this case, or similar activities, to come forward.