Sexual offender arrested following investigation into social media threat against law enforcement

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – William Bryan Privett, 43, was arrested yesterday for failing to register internet accounts following an investigation into a threat against law enforcement that was posted on social media.

On December 17, an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ASO) detective began investigating a Facebook post from “Wally Post” that said, “Good time for a mass shooting. All piggy die.”

The detective traced the Facebook account to Privett, a designated sexual offender who lives in the Hammock Ridge area. As a sexual offender, Privett is required to report all internet accounts and email addresses to ASO, along with any change in employment. The detective learned that when he last registered in September 2025, Privett did not list any internet accounts or email addresses, and he said he worked for an auto repair business.

The detective went to Privett’s registered workplace on December 22, and the owner of the auto repair business said Privett was terminated several months ago; Privett reportedly had not updated this information with ASO.

The detective next went to Privett’s residence, where Privett reportedly answered the door but tried to go back inside when he saw the detective. Privett allegedly resisted attempts to place him in handcuffs until he was placed on the ground, and then he put his hands under his torso. After about a minute, he was secured in handcuffs.

Post Miranda, Privett reportedly admitted that the “Wally Post” account was his and that he had created it in January 2025, when he completed probation related to his conviction for a 2010 charge of lewd and lascivious battery on a victim between the ages of 12 and 15. Although he completed his probation, Privett is required to register twice a year as a sexual offender for the rest of his life.

Privett also reportedly admitted to having a Gmail address and an Instagram account, neither of which had been provided to ASO.

Privett has been charged with knowingly providing false information at registration, failure to report a change in employment, three counts of failure to report internet accounts, and resisting an officer without violence. He has three felony convictions (one sexual) and four misdemeanor convictions (non-violent); he has served one 10-year state prison sentence and was released in 2020. Judge Meshon Rawls set bail at $325,000.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.