July 31, 2020
William ‘Roddie’ Bryan Jr., Who Filmed Ahmaud Arbery’s Death, Under Investigation For Child Molestation
William “Roddie” Bryan Jr., the man who filmed the killing of Ahmaud Arbery in February, was arrested and charged with felony murder and criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment.. Now, News4Jax reports that Bryan is being investigated for child molestation.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said the Camden County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance with the investigation on July 15. The case, which involves a female victim, was opened the following day.
During witness testimony in the bond motion, the prosecutor revealed that Bryan is under investigation for sex crimes.
“There are texts to support the DOJ’s investigation,” Assistant District Attorney Jesse Evans said. “I can confirm as of yesterday, the GBI has opened an additional parallel investigation into sex crimes that stemmed from this. This now also heightens the risk of flight, as well.”
A judge then denied the motion to grant Bryan bail and a second motion requesting a gag order in the case.
Back in May, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation released the following statement:
“On May 21, 2020, the GBI arrested William ‘Roddie’ Bryan Jr., age 50, on charges of Felony Murder & Criminal Attempt to Commit False Imprisonment. These charges stem from the February 23, 2020, incident that resulted in the death of Ahmaud Arbery. He will be booked into the Glynn County Jail.
“This case is being investigated in partnership with District Attorney Joyette Holmes of the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office.”
An initial police report stated that Bryan had unsuccessfully tried to block Arbery, who was taking a jog in the suburban neighborhood of Brunswick, Georgia, when he was confronted by Gregory and Travis McMichael.
At the latest hearing, Bryan’s attorneys said Arbery should have complied with the “lawful” citizens arrest on that fateful day.
“Arbery was not authorized to resist arrest when objectively speaking he knew that he was lawfully subject to arrest,” the memo stated.