Alpena, MI — James Edward Smith II, 45, of Alpena, was arrested Monday following an investigation by the Michigan State Police (MSP) Computer Crimes Unit and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
Smith faces multiple charges, including aggravated child sexually abusive activity, aggravated distributing or promoting child sexually abusive material, aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material, and using a computer to commit a crime. The investigation began after authorities discovered Smith was viewing illegal files of child sexual abuse material online. Digital evidence was seized as part of the case.
Smith was arraigned in the 88th District Court on June 30. The MSP Alpena Post and MSP Canine Team assisted in the investigation.
The MSP ICAC Task Force encourages parents to discuss internet safety with their children. Resources to help protect children online are available at missingkids.org and michiganicac.com. Anyone with information regarding child sexual exploitation is urged to report it to the CyberTipLine at missingkids.org/cybertipline.
