Mecosta Man Arrested for Criminal Sexual Conduct and Child Sexually Abusive Material

Phillips was arrested following an investigation in which digital evidence was seized from his residence. The investigation was initiated when it was learned that Phillips was downloading, viewing, and uploading files of child sexually abusive material on the internet.

Following the search of his residence, Phillips was charged with one count of criminal sexual conduct 1st degree, one count of aggravated child sexually abusive activity, one count of child sexually abusive activity, one count of aggravated distribution of child sexually abusive material, one count of aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material, and one count of using a computer to commit a crime. Phillips was arraigned in the 77th District Court on Friday, August 25.

If convicted, Phillips faces up to life in prison for the criminal sexual conduct 1st Degree charge, 25 years in prison for the aggravated child sexually abusive activity charge, 20 years in prison for the child sexually abusive activity charge, 7 years in prison for the aggravated distribution of child sexually abusive material charge, 10 years in prison for the aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material charge, and 20 years in prison for the using a computer to commit a crime charge.

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.