Brockway Resident Arrested for Aggravated Possession and Distribution of Child Sexually Abusive Material and Using a Computer to Commit a Crime

Patterson surrendered himself to the court following an investigation in which digital evidence was seized from his home. The investigation was initiated when it was learned that Patterson was viewing files of child sexually abusive material on the internet.

Following the search of his residence and employer, Patterson was charged with three counts of aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material, four counts of aggravated distribution of child sexually abusive material, and four counts of using a computer to commit a crime. Patterson was arraigned in the 72nd District Court on Wednesday, October 18.

The MSP Computer Crimes Unit encourages parents to speak to their children about the safe use of the internet. There are many resources available to parents 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 http://www.missingkids.org. The MSP ICAC Task Force also provides resources at http://www.michiganicac.com.

If you have information regarding possible child sexual exploitation, report it to the CyberTipLine at http://www.missingkids.org/cybertipline.