The Michigan State Police (MSP) Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, is announcing the sentencing of Michael Ralph Saari, 66 of Gladstone, following an investigation into his online activity.
The investigation revealed Saari had been downloading child sexually abusive material on his personal computer. Saari was arrested on April 20 and charged with five counts of possession of child sexually abusive material and five counts of using a computer to commit a crime. Saari pleaded guilty to all of the charges. On Monday, Aug. 27, he was sentenced to three to seven years in prison.
ICAC members were assisted by Gladstone and Escanaba Public Safety officers as well as Delta County Prosecutor’s Office.
The MSP CCU 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.
If you have information regarding possible child exploitation, report it to the Cyber Tipline at http://www.missingkids.org/cybertipline.
