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December 06, 2004
Child abuse charges filed
Attorney general alleges the Internet used to arrange the meeting.
BRIDGMAN -- Thomas Russell, 41, of Bridgman, was arrested earlier this week on five felony counts, including one count of child sexually abusive activity.
A news release from Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox's office said Russell used the Internet to send obscene images and arrange a sexual encounter with a person who he thought was a 14-year-old girl.
The person was actually an investigator in the attorney general's office.
Russell traveled from his home in Bridgman to meet the girl in Novi, Mich., according to Cox.
He was arrested there on Tuesday morning and was taken to the Novi Police Department for an interview with an agent from Cox's office.
He admitted to traveling to meet the minor and was arraigned Wednesday in 52-1 District Court, Cox said.
Two search warrants are being executed for Russell's home, the attorney general's office said.
The felony count of child sexually abusive activity could bring a 20-year sentence and/or $100,000 fine. Russell also was charged with one count of using the Internet to commit the crime of child sexually abusive activity, a 20-year term and/or $20,000 fine; and three counts of distributing obscene matter to a minor, a four-year term and/or $5,000 fine.
Posted by Nealus at December 6, 2004 10:56 AM
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