DA drops charges in ex-Macon code officer case

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Case Against Former Code Enforcement Officer Dismissed Due to Inconsistent Evidence

A case against a former Macon-Bibb County code enforcement officer has been dismissed after prosecutors found conflicting evidence in the matter, according to a recent statement from the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office.

District Attorney Anita Howard announced on Friday that charges against Christopher Tyler Willcox were dropped "as it related to the alleged victim." The decision came after investigators discovered inconsistencies in witness statements. Willcox was initially charged with violating the oath of a peace officer following an incident on September 11, where he allegedly pulled a woman over, took her phone, and sent photos of her from her device to his.

According to a statement from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at the time, the alleged victim claimed that during the traffic stop, she voluntarily gave Willcox her phone to view insurance information. However, she later stated that he took the phone to his vehicle for approximately 5 to 10 minutes, during which he unlawfully accessed her private information.

Prosecutors had previously authorized an arrest warrant based on the alleged victim’s initial statement made to investigators on September 24, 2025. That account suggested that the victim had given Willcox her phone and later reported that he had used it without permission.

However, Howard noted that the victim's statements changed over time, leading to contradictions. She explained that the victim had initially told investigators that Willcox had pulled her over but that she did not give him her phone. Later, the victim continued to communicate with Willcox after the traffic stop, further complicating the narrative.

Howard emphasized the importance of witness credibility in any prosecution. She stated that when witnesses provide conflicting accounts and physical evidence does not support the accusations, prosecutors cannot meet their burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. “Our ethical and legal duty as prosecutors requires us to dismiss charges when the evidence does not support them, regardless of the nature of the allegations,” she said in the statement.

Despite the dismissal of charges in this case, Willcox still faces pending charges related to a different victim, according to Susan Ryan, a spokesperson for the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office. However, court records were not immediately available, and no additional details were provided at this time.

This development highlights the complex nature of legal proceedings and the critical role that consistent and reliable evidence plays in ensuring justice is served. As the investigation continues, the public will be watching closely for updates on the other charges against Willcox.

Key Details of the Case

• The case involved a traffic stop by Christopher Tyler Willcox, a former code enforcement officer.
• The alleged victim claimed that Willcox took her phone and accessed private information.
• Prosecutors initially authorized an arrest warrant based on the victim’s statement.
• Later, the victim’s statements became inconsistent, leading to the dismissal of charges.
• Willcox still faces charges in a separate case involving another individual.
• The district attorney emphasized the importance of credible evidence and witness testimony in legal proceedings.

The outcome of this case underscores the challenges faced by prosecutors in ensuring that justice is served while upholding the principles of due process and fairness.