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Michigan AG Nessel Brings Charges Against Big Rapids Man for Possession, Distribution of Child Sexually Abusive Material

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel today announced Jason Edward Straley, 56, of Big Rapids, has been charged with multiple felonies for the possession and distribution of Child Sexually Abusive Material (CSAM).

In April 2017, the Michigan Attorney General’s Office received a tip about CSAM on a computer with an IP address connected with Straley’s home. The Attorney General’s Office subsequently executed a search warrant on the defendant’s home and seized numerous electronic devices. A subsequent forensic examination recovered thousands of CSAM images from one of the seized devises.

Straley was charged with the following:

  • One felony count of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime – a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
  • One felony count of Distributing or Promoting Child Sexually Abusive Material – a maximum sentence of seven years in prison and/or a $50,000 fine.
  • 10 felony counts of Possession of Child Sexually Abusive Material – a maximum sentence of four years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine for each count.

“Our office will prosecute those who prey on Michigan’s children to the fullest extent of the law,” Nessel said. “I am incredibly grateful to the Big Rapids Police Department and the members of the Michigan State Police’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for their continued commitment to protecting Michigan children and bringing those who exploit them to justice.”

Straley was arraigned late last week by Mecosta County District Court Magistrate Tom Lyons and given a $1 million bond. A probable cause conference is set for 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, followed by a preliminary exam at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20.

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Please note: A criminal charge is merely an allegation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The Attorney General’s Office does not provide booking photos, however, one may be available through the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office.

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