A Texas man will spend the next 30 years behind bars after pleading guilty to continuously trafficking a child and possessing child pornography.
Kenneth Lee Willett, 41, received his sentence on Monday in Greenville’s 196th District Court. Willett’s arrest followed a months-long investigation triggered by online abuse material.
Greenville police began investigating Willett in July 2024 after receiving multiple cyber tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The tips flagged him for promoting child sexual abuse material across several social media platforms.
Authorities arrested Willett in August 2024. A forensic examination of his seized cellphone revealed disturbing evidence.
Investigators discovered Willett was facilitating the prostitution of a child from neighboring Van Zandt County. He used social media applications to solicit men for sexual encounters with the victim.
Police said Willett also arranged transportation for the child to Greenville to engage in prostitution.
Under the plea agreement, Willett received 30 years for continuous trafficking of persons and 20 years for possession or promotion of child pornography. The sentences will run concurrently.
Due to the trafficking charge’s nature, Willett must serve his full 30-year term without the possibility of parole. He had been held at Hunt County Detention Center since his November 2024 indictment.
