TLC's 'Willis Family' Star: Charged With Raping A Child
TLC's 'Willis Family' Star Charged With Raping Child
1:00 PM PST -- Sources close to the show tell us the family was informed in May by TLC it wouldn't be picked up for a third season. We're also told the network did extensive background checks on Toby and his family but nothing raised any red flags. A rep for the networks tells us they haven't aired an episode of the show since April and they are, "shocked to hear the news."
Toby Willis, the dad from TLC's "The Willis Family" has been arrested and charged with raping a child.
Special agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations say they began investigating Willis late last month. We're told he was arrested Friday after the investigation revealed Willis had a sexual encounter approximately 12 years ago with an underage female.
Investigators say Willis was picked up in Kentucky after he fled law enforcement. He's been charged with one count of rape of a child and is being held without bond.
"The Willis Family" features Toby, his wife and their 12 children between the ages of 5 and 24 who make up a country music band.
TLC has had its problems.
"19 Kids and Counting" was cancelled after police revealed Josh Duggar was under investigation for molesting 5 underage girls, including his sisters. "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo" was also cancelled after Mama June started dating an old fling who had allegedly molested her daughter.
As for "The Willis Family" ... it appears the show's page has been yanked from the TLC website.
