A Michigan man connected to one of the nation’s most recognized “anti-adult content” programs has now been charged with child sex crimes.
On August 13, 2025, deputies with the Kent County Sheriff’s Office arrested Thomas Wideman, the stepson of Ron DeHaas the co-founder of Covenant Eyes, a program used by churches, schools, and families to filter and track adult content online.
Court records say an undercover female detective began communicating with Wideman on July 23, posing as a 14-year-old girl. Over the next few weeks, Wideman allegedly sent sexually explicit messages, said he would bring condoms to a meeting, and even pushed for photos.
A meeting was scheduled for August 14, near an address the detective had provided as the girl’s home. When Wideman arrived at the chosen location, officers immediately surrounded his vehicle and arrested him. A search of his phone later uncovered 12 videos of child sexual abuse material, including very young victims, according to the affidavit.
Wideman faces eight felony counts, including using a computer to commit a crime, child sexually abusive activity, and accosting children for immoral purposes. Some of the charges carry a maximum life sentence.
Bond was set at $300,000. Records show it was posted with the help of DeHaas, allowing Wideman to be released until trial. A status conference in the case is scheduled for Oct. 14 in Michigan’s 17th Circuit Court before Judge Scott A. Noto.
