Solicitation of 13-year-old for sex exposed Sanford child porn operation
Bailey Joe Mills, 33, allegedly propositioned a 13-year-old for sex in January by offering her $300, according to court documents obtained Tuesday. It was his interaction with the teenager that eventually exposed a child porn production operation detectives say he led.
Posted — UpdatedMills is accused of running a fake daycare and mentoring program out of his home in Sanford that, according to authorities, was a front for the operation.
Authorities believe Mills used the day care to attract young girls to his home and to develop a relationship with their parents. He then allegedly offered the girls money to have sex with men he found through different social media sites, detectives said.
In a statement Tuesday, the state Department of Health and Human Services said the home, at 184 Nicole Drive, was not a licensed child care facility.
Mills met the 13-year-old through one of her friends, according to court documents. Mills took the teenager to the mall, then the pair stopped by his house afterward where she changed into clothes Mills bought her, an affidavit said.
“While juvenile 2 was changing clothes, she noticed that there were cameras in the room,” the document said.
The teenager then noticed Mills showing a video of her friend performing sexual acts on a male, according to the affidavit.
The teenager’s parents, after reading Facebook messages between her and Mills, contacted the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office.
“During the investigation, this affiant learned that many of the juvenile victims were made to change into lingerie and exotic dancing costumes, then made to demonstrate exotic dancing moves on a metal pole in the outbuilding,” the affidavit said.
Mills’ wife, Elizabeth, who is also charged in connection with the operation, is listed as an exotic dancer in court documents.
The couple has two children together, both under 18. Investigators have not said whether they were victims of their parents’ alleged illegal activities.
The operation, which dates back to 2013, involves about 10 male and female victims ranging from ages 1 to 14.
Mills has been in the Harnett County jail since January, but it wasn’t until investigators announced their search for Wall that the case became public.
After his arrest, an order was requested to commit Mills to Central Regional Hospital in Raleigh due to his mental state.
“(Mills) is extremely depressed and exhibits an inability to deal with his life issues, is in dire need of medication to prevent harm to himself and to stabilize him so that he can assist in his defense,” the order said.
It was unclear Tuesday evening whether the order was granted.
Mills has had multiple arrests and convictions over the years. In 1997 he was convicted of taking indecent liberties with a minor.
Mills is now charged with two counts of statutory rape and first-degree sexual offense. Along with allegedly running the operation, Mills is also accused of engaging in sexual intercourse with the 13-year-old.
It’s unclear why Mills wasn’t on the sex offender registry – something that shocked those who live near where the alleged crimes occurred.
“I was horrified, completely,” said Sandy McGinnis, president of the neighborhood’s homeowners association. “I have a child, and you wouldn’t think things like that go on, and we do keep track of registered sex offenders, because it’s good to know who your neighbors are. It’s terrible. There’s no other word for it.”
The four others arrested in connection with the operation are:
- Mills’ wife, Elizabeth Holland Mills, 34. She faces a charge of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and indecent liberties with a child. She’s been in jail under a $500,000 bond since Jan. 10. Elizabeth Holland Mills is accused of photographing a nude nine-year-old on a pole, making the child exercise on the pole while another adult held the child and performing a sexual act on the child.
- Sgt. 1st Class Jordan Everett Busse, 29. A Fort Bragg solider assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group, Busse is charged with felony conspiracy and computer solicitation of a child. Busse allegedly chatted with a 12-year-old girl through a smartphone chat application and asked to meet the girl at a hotel for sex. Busse posted a $75,000 bond on June 12.
- Rashawn Rodriguez Drake Jackson, 20, of 151 Rental Lane in Sanford. He is charged with first-degree sex offense with a child and felony conspiracy. He is accused of having sex with a 13-year-old. Jackson remained in the Harnett County jail Tuesday on a $150,000 bond.
- Wall, 50, of 25 River Ridge Way in Willow Spring. He was charged with first-degree sex offense, felony conspiracy and first-degree rape. Wall, who was transported to the Harnett County jail, had no bond listed. His first court appearance is Wednesday. Investigators say there is video of Wall committing a hands-on sexual act with a child.
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