Algonac man arrested on child pornography charges

A 31-year-old Algonac man has been charged with possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material and using a computer to commit a crime.

Andrew Michael Arnold was arrested by the Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, following an investigation that resulted in the seizure of digital evidence from his home.

According to the Michigan State Police, the investigation began when it became known that Arnold was viewing child sexual abuse files on the Internet.

Arnold was charged with three counts of aggravated possession of child abuse material, one count of distributing child abuse material, and four counts of using a computer to commit a crime. He was arraigned in the 72nd District Court on August 16.

The MSP Computer Crimes Unit encourages parents to talk to their children about safe use of the Internet. There are many resources available to parents to help keep children safe online. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children offers an extensive list of resources on their website at missingkids.org. The MSP ICAC Task Force also offers resources at michiganicac.com.

Information about possible child sexual exploitation can be reported to the CyberTipLine at missingkids.org/cybertipline.