BAY CITY, Mich. — A Bay City resident has been arrested and charged following a Michigan State Police investigation into the online distribution of child sexually abusive material.
According to the Michigan State Police, the arrest stems from an investigation conducted by the MSP Computer Crimes Unit as part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Investigators say digital evidence was seized from the suspect’s residence after it was discovered that illegal material had been uploaded to the internet.
Authorities identified the suspect as Rodney Allan Rotarius, 55, of Bay City. Police allege Rotarius possessed and distributed child sexually abusive material using a computer, leading to multiple felony charges.
Rotarius has been charged with three counts of aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material and three counts of using a computer to commit a crime. He was arraigned Wednesday, December 17, in 74th District Court. Bond conditions and future court dates were not immediately released.
State police are urging parents and guardians to remain vigilant about their children’s online activity. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children offers educational tools and reporting resources for online safety, while the Michigan ICAC Task Force provides guidance specific to Michigan families.
Anyone with information regarding suspected child sexual exploitation is encouraged to report it to the CyberTipLine operated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
- NMD Staff
News@NewMediaDetroit.com