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Written by: E. George
Published May 22, 2023 @ 11:40 AM ET
MACON, Ga. – On September 16, 2021, a corporal from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office contacted a Jones County Sheriff’s officer regarding a sexual assault. They received a report about a 12-year-old girl being molested by her 60-year-old grandfather in 2015.
The victim explained that the suspect, Willie Cleveland, gave her wine and played pornography in front of her.” She said he “undressed her and forced himself on her, leading to the penetration of her vagina by his penis.”
She stated he “only stopped when she told him that it hurt.” He then instructed her not to tell anyone.
The child’s guardian said that when she first informed her of the abuse, rather than reporting it to law enforcement, she prevented any further “exposure to Willie.” She admitted that she and other female family members had similar experiences with him as well.
Investigation into the incident resulted in Cleveland’s arrest on April 26, 2023, for child molestation. This case is currently pending in court.
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
On 09-16-2021 I was contacted by Corporal Witherspoon with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office in reference to a sexual assault that occured in Jones County. This case has been referred to investigations.
I spoke with Cpl. Witherspoon by phone. He advised that he was at [REDACTED BY AGENCY] Bibb County. Cpl. Witherspoon advised that the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office had been contacted by [REDACTED BY AGENCY] and [REDACTED BY AGENCY] to report a sexual assault that occured in 2015. He advised that they reported that [REDACTED BY AGENCY] had been assaulted by her grandfather, Willie Cleveland.
[REDACTED BY AGENCY] reported that Willie gave her wine and played pornography in front of her. She stated that Willie then undressed her and forced himself on her, leading to penetration of her va*ina by his pe*is. She stated that Willie only stopped when she told him that it hurt. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] stated that Willie told her to not tell anyone.
[REDACTED BY AGENCY] told Cpl Witherspoon that [REDACTED BY AGENCY] reported the incident to her when it happened, but instead of reporting it to law enforcement she removed [REDACTED BY AGENCY] from having any exposure to Willie. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] informed Cpl Witherspoon that she had a similar experience with Willie and has been told that several other female family members have had similar experience.
Cpl Witherspoon provided Bibb County case #202180083 and I gave him this case number for his record. I made contact with Investigator Gleaton and advised him of the case. I contacted [REDACTED BY AGENCY] by phone and advised her that Investigator Gleaton would be following up with her for further investigation.
[End of Narrative]
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