July 07, 2025
The Michigan State Police (MSP) Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is announcing the arrest of James Edward Smith II, 45 of Alpena, for aggravated child sexually abusive activity, aggravated distributing or promoting child sexually abusive activity, aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material, and using a computer to commit a crime.
Smith was arrested following an investigation in which digital evidence was seized. The investigation was initiated when it was discovered that Smith was viewing files of child sexually abusive material on the internet.
Smith was charged with one count of aggravated child sexually abusive activity, one count of aggravated distributing or promoting child sexually abusive activity, four counts of aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material, and three counts of using a computer to commit a crime. Smith was arraigned in the 88th District Court on Monday, June 30.
The MSP ICAC Task Force was assisted by the MSP Alpena Post and the MSP Canine Team.
The MSP Computer Crimes Unit encourages parents to speak to their children about the safe use of the internet. There are many resources available to parents to assist in keeping children safe online. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children provides a comprehensive list of resources on their website at http://www.missingkids.org. The Michigan ICAC Task Force also provides internet safety resources at Michigan.gov/ICAC.
If you have information regarding possible child sexual exploitation, report it to the CyberTipLine at http://www.missingkids.org/cybertipline.
