GRAYLING – A Michigan State Police cybercrime investigation led to the arrest of a Grayling man accused of child sexual abuse material offenses.
According to a statement from the Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force said Cole Martin Halley, 22, of Grayling, was arrested on allegations involving aggravated distributing child sexually abusive activity, aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material and using a computer to commit a crime.
Police said the investigation began after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children provided a tip. MSP said a search of Halley’s residence resulted in digital evidence being seized.
MSP said Halley is charged with four counts of aggravated distributing and promoting child sexually abusive activity, four counts of aggravated possession child sexually abusive material, and one count of using a computer to commit a crime. MSP said Halley was arraigned in the 87th Judicial District Court on Tuesday, March 3.
The ICAC Task Force was assisted by the MSP Houghton Lake Post, the MSP 7th District Emergency Support Team, and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department, MSP said.
The MSP Computer Crimes Unit encouraged parents to speak with their children about safe internet use. The agency noted resources are available through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at https://www.missingkids.org and the Michigan ICAC Task Force at https://www.michigan.gov/ICAC.
Anyone with information about possible child sexual exploitation can report it to the Cyber Tip Line at https://www.missingkids.org/cybertipline.
