May 26, 2026
ONTONAGON COUNTY, MICH. The Michigan State Police (MSP) Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is announcing the sentencing of Brent Edward Mayer, 36 of Bruce Crossing, for possession of child sexually abusive material - aggravated, child sexually abusive activity - aggravated, and using a computer to commit a crime.
Mayer was arrested following an investigation which was initiated when it was learned that Mayer was viewing files of child sexually abusive material on the internet. A search of his residence resulted in digital evidence being seized.
Mayer was charged with seven counts of child sexually abusive material – aggravated possession, one count of child sexually abusive activity – aggravated, and eight counts of using a computer to commit a crime. Mayer was additionally served with a habitual offender – 2nd offense notice, which may increase his penalties if convicted. Mayer was arraigned in the 98th District Court of Ontonagon on Monday, May 12, 2025.
Mayer was convicted of all 16 felony counts on Thursday, April 9, 2026, following a trial by jury in the 32nd Circuit Court of Ontonagon County. The habitual offender – 2nd offense notice increased his penalties following his conviction. Mayer was sentenced on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, as follows:
For the seven counts of child sexually abusive material – aggravated possession, Mayer was sentenced to serve 10-15 years prison incarceration. For the one count of child sexually abusive activity – aggravated, Mayer was sentenced to serve 11-35.5 years prison incarceration. These eight convictions are to run concurrently.
For the seven counts of using a computer to commit a crime involving child sexually abusive material – aggravated possession, Mayer was sentenced to serve 10-15 years prison incarceration. For the one count of using a computer to commit a crime involving child sexually abusive activity – aggravated, Mayer was sentenced to serve 11-30 years prison incarceration. These sentences involving the use of a computer to commit a crime were ordered to be served consecutively to those involving child sexually abusive activity.
In all, Mayer was sentenced to a minimum of 22 years and a maximum of 37.5 years prison incarceration with the Michigan Department of Corrections, with credit for zero days previously served.
The MSP Computer Crimes Unit encourages parents to speak to their children about safe use of the internet. There are many resources available 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 https://www.missingkids.org. The Michigan ICAC Task Force also provides resources at https://www.michigan.gov/ICAC.
If you have information regarding possible child sexual exploitation, report it to the CyberTipline at https://www.missingkids.org/cybertipline.
