Joseph Francis Bowers

MARQUETTE — A Marquette County man has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of possession of child sexually abusive material — aggravated and using a computer to commit a crime.

Joseph Francis Bowers, 31, of Marquette, was arrested following an investigation by the Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

The probe was initiated when it was learned Bowers was allegedly possessing, manufacturing and distributing child sexually abusive material on the internet. A search of Bowers upon his arrest resulted in the seizure of digital evidence, police said.

Bowers was charged with five counts of possession of child sexually abusive material – aggravated, and five counts of using a computer to commit a crime. He was arraigned in the 96th District Court of Marquette County on Friday.

If convicted, Bowers faces up to 25 years in prison for possession of child sexually abusive material – aggravated and 20 years in prison for using a computer to commit a crime.

The MSP Computer Crimes Unit encourages parents to speak to their children and family members about safe use of the internet. There are many resources available to assist in keeping people safe online. The Michigan ICAC Task Force provides a comprehensive list of resources on their website at https://www.michigan.gov/icac.

Bud Sargent can be reached at 9067-228-2500, extension 544. His email address is bsargent@miningjournal.net.