HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — The Michigan State Police (MSP) Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is announcing the arrest of Wayland resident Matthew Bennett, 28, on charges of child sexually abusive activity, child sexually abusive material possession, using computers to commit a crime, and being a habitual offender.
The investigation was initiated when a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) was forwarded to the Fifth District Computer Crimes Unit.
Detectives learned that Bennett was a sex offender and possessed child sexual abusive material, said MSP Detective D/Tpr. Torey Johns, who works for the state’s Computer Crimes Unit.
Johns said Bennett appears to be a voyeristic offender — someone who gets girls to send inappropriate photos to him, then blackmails them into sending more.
He said police are strongly encouraging parents to speak to their children about the safe online behavior — and parents should monitor childrens’ computer use.
The NCMEC provides a comprehensive list of resources on their website at http://www.missingkids.org.
People with information call alert police by calling the cyber tip line at 877-MI-CYBER (877-642-9237)
If you have information regarding possible child sexual exploitation, report it to the CyberTipLine at http://www.missingkids.org/cybertipline.
