August 19, 2026
MARINE CITY, MICH. The Michigan State Police (MSP) Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is announcing the arrest of Kristopher Robert Steward, 42, of Marine City, for child sexually abusive activity – aggravated distributing or promoting, using a computer to commit a crime, child sexually abusive material – aggravated possession, accosting a child for immoral purposes, and distributing obscene matter to children.
Steward was arrested following an investigation which was initiated when multiple cyber tips were received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). A search warrant of Steward’s residence led to digital evidence being seized.
Steward was charged with one count of aggravated child sexually abusive activity (distributing or promoting), three counts of aggravated child sexually abusive material possession, two counts of accosting children for immoral purposes, one count of distributing obscene material to children, and seven counts of using a computer to commit a crime. Steward was arraigned in the 72 District Court of St. Clair County on Friday, August 14.
If convicted, Steward faces up to 15 years in prison for aggravated child sexually abusive activity (distributing and promoting), up to 20 years in prison for aggravated child sexually abusive material possession, up to 4 years in prison for accosting children for immoral purposes, and 10 to 20 years in prison for using a computer to commit a crime.
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 NCMEC provides a comprehensive list of resources on their website at https://www.missingkids.org. The Michigan ICAC Task Force 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.
