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Lansing Resident Arrested for Criminal Sexual Conduct, Child Sexually Abusive Activity, and Child Sexually Abusive Material Charges

2024/07/08

LANSING, MICH. The Michigan State Police (MSP) Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is announcing the arrest of Joseph Justin Ketchum, 26, of Lansing, for criminal sexual conduct, child sexually abusive activity, child sexually abusive material, and other related charges.

Ketchum was arrested following an investigation which was initiated when cyber tips were received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The investigation led to a residence in the city of Lansing. A search of Ketchum’s residence resulted in evidence being seized.

Ketchum was charged with six counts of criminal sexual conduct first degree, four counts of aggravated child sexually abusive activity, four counts of aggravated child sexually abusive material, four counts of child sexually activity-distributing or promoting, 18 counts of using a computer to commit a crime , 12 counts of felony firearm. Ketchum was arraigned in the 54A District Court on July 8.

If convicted, Ketchum faces 25 years to life in prison for each count of criminal sexual conduct first degree, up to 25 years in prison for each count of aggravated child sexually abusive activity, up to 10 years in prison for each count of aggravated child sexually abusive material possession, up to 7 years in prison for each count of child sexually abusive activity distributing or promoting, up to 20 years in prison for each county of using a computer to commit a crime for crimes punishable by 20 years or more, up to 10 years in prison for each count of using a computer to commit a crime for crimes punishable by 10 years or more but less than 20 years, and up to 7 years in prison for each count of using a computer to commit a crime for crimes punishable by 4 years or more but less than 10 years.

The MSP Computer Crimes Unit was assisted in the investigation by Lansing Police Department.
“Based on the Michigan State Police’s thorough and professional investigation of these horrific allegations, we authorized 48 felony counts against this defendant. He was arraigned this weekend and is scheduled for the following hearings:

Hearing Type

SCHEDULED FOR PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION

Hearing Date

07/26/2024 10:00 AM

Hearing Officer

WARD, CYNTHIA M.

Hearing Type

SCHEDULED FOR PROBABLE CAUSE CONFERENCE

Hearing Date

07/19/2024 9:30 AM

Hearing Officer

WARD, CYNTHIA M.

Our office will work in coordination with the MSP Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, to prosecute this case and support the victim.”

John J. Dewane, Ingham Co. Prosecutor

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 MSP ICAC Task Force provides a comprehensive list of resources on their website 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.

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© 2024 Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce

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