Jerred McCoy

BRIMLEY — A Brimley man has been arrested and charged with child sexually abusive activity – aggravated and using a computer to commit a crime.

The Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force has announced that 28-year-old Jerred McCoy, of Brimley was taken into custory. Following an investigation which was initiated when it was learned McCoy was viewing child sexually abusive material online while residing at his residence in Brimley, a search was conducted resulting in digital evidence being seized and charges were issued by the Chippewa County Prosecutor’s Office. McCoy was then arrested by U.S. Marshals in West Virginia and extradited back to Michigan.

McCoy was charged with two counts of child sexually abusive activity – aggravated, seven counts of child sexually abusive material – aggravated possession and eight counts of using a computer to commit a crime. He was arraigned in the 91st District Court on Dec. 12 with his bond set at $250,000 with conditions. In the event he is he able to post bond, conditions include that he be monitored by a GPS tether while on house arrest; that he is prohibited from contacting anyone under the age of 18; that he does not use the internet unless for work, medical, or legal reasons; and other standard conditions.

McCoy is scheduled to be in court Jan. 12. If convicted, McCoy faces up to 25 years in prison for child sexually abusive activity – aggravated, and up to 20 years in prison for using a computer to commit a crime. The MSP Computer Crimes Unit was assisted by the MSP Seventh District Fugitive Team, the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Attorney General’s Office.

A note from law enforcement via press release: 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 http://www.michigan.gov/icac. If you have information regarding possible child sexual exploitation, report it to the cyber tipline at http://www.missingkids.org/cybertipline.

Bud Sargent can be reached at 906-228-2500, extension 544. His email address is bsargent@miningjournal.net