Ottawa County authorities secure convictions in multiple child exploitation cases
A series of independent investigations into the distribution of child sexually abusive material has led to prison sentences for five Ottawa County men, officials announced Wednesday, Jan. 21.
OTTAWA COUNTY — A series of independent investigations into the distribution of child sexually abusive material has led to prison sentences for five Ottawa County men, officials announced Wednesday, Jan. 21.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, working in coordination with the Michigan State Police Internet Crimes Against Children, or ICAC, Task Force, successfully executed search warrants and seized electronic devices that substantiated dozens of criminal charges.
While the cases were handled concurrently, investigators noted the defendants had no known connection to one another, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.
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“Parents are encouraged to speak with their children about how to be safe while using the internet,” according to the news release, referencing the resources provided by the Michigan ICAC Task Force and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
According to records released by the sheriff's office, the following individuals have been sentenced to the Michigan Department of Corrections following guilty pleas:
- Kristopher Calkins: Sentenced in August to 51-180 months for two counts of aggravated distributing or promoting CSAM and two counts of aggravated possession.
- Charles Mitchener: Sentenced in October to 48-120 months for two counts of aggravated possession and one count of using a computer to commit a crime.
- Christopher Overweg: Sentenced in October to 30-180 months for three counts of aggravated distributing or promoting CSAM.
- Alexander Lozano: Sentenced in September to 24-180 months for three counts of aggravated distributing or promoting CSAM.
- Simon Vandyke: Sentenced in September to 19-180 months for aggravated distributing or promoting CSAM.
The crackdown remains ongoing. Authorities confirmed that two additional arrests were made as recently as January for separate investigations. Those cases are currently moving through theOttawa County 58th District Court.
The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with relevant information to contact their investigators or provide anonymous tips through Silent Observer at 877-88-SILENT or via mosotips.com.
— Heather VanDyke covers northern Ottawa County for the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at hvandyke@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
