Former Willard firefighter Mitchell charged with sex crimes

A former Willard firefighter has been charged with sex crimes following an incident that stems from 2025. 

Travis Mitchell is accused of using AI software to create sexually explicit images of victims among other crimes. 

According to a probable cause statement, Mitchell was contacted in regards to an investigation into crimes against children. He would then provide his devices to investigators, including an Apple iPhone 16 Pro, an iPad and an HP laptop, the next day, investigators secured a search warrant to access the devices. 

Data from the devices were analyzed where it was found that Mitchell was using AI to modify pictures of victims and create sexually explicit images. 

Investigators also found chat logs between Mitchell and a victim, identified as “Victim 72” in the statement. The victim’s age is redacted in the document but it is to be assumed that they were under the age of consent in accordance with the charges filed against Mitchell. 

Incriminating text messages

In text chats beginning on Sept. 11, 2025, Mitchell sent victim 72 a lewd photo and asked the victim for images. The victim then asked Mitchell’s age, to which he replied that he was 15. He also sent an inappropriate message among other texts of similar nature. 

During their chat, the victim sent Mitchell three clothed images of herself, which Mitchell would modify with AI software to create a topless image of the victim. 

Mitchell admitted in a police interview that he used online chat randomizers to meet victims.

The probable cause statement states that Mitchell had sexually explicit images of more than 106 individuals on his devices, most of these individuals were those he knew personally through their shared church, former high school and his position in the Willard RJOTC program. The document also states that he has applied for positions in the past that would place him in direct contact with children, claiming he applied to be a school bus driver and substitute teacher. 

Charges of enticement and more

Mitchell was present in court on March 25, 2026 where his bond was set at $25,000. He faces charges of Enticement or Attempted Enticement of a Child, Age Misrepresentation With Intent To Solicit A Minor and Furnishing Pornographic Material Or Attempt To Furnish To A Minor.

Official statement from the Willard Fire Protection District:

The Willard Fire Protection District (“District”) confirms that it has terminated the employment of a firefighter, effective immediately.  

The District recently became aware that a firefighter has been charged in state and/or federal court with multiple criminal offenses. The District has further been informed that the former firefighter has admitted to the underlying allegations to local and/or federal law enforcement authorities.  

The Willard Fire Protection District takes allegations of this nature extremely seriously. The conduct at issue is criminal in nature and constitutes violations of District policies and standards of conduct. After reviewing the available information, the District determined that termination of employment was warranted and necessary.  

The District is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and public trust. We will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities as appropriate.