Genesee Co. Man Sentenced to Decades of Prison for Child Sexual Exploitation

August 22, 2024

Amanda Forrester / [email protected]

A Genesee County man has been sentenced to decades in prison for the sexual exploitation of children.

Nicholas Dunn, 42, of Burton, has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of children, U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced Wednesday.

“This defendant’s actions were horrific and the sentence underscores our office’s commitment to bringing those who sexually exploit and abuse children to justice,” Ison said. “This conviction would not have been possible without the work of our dedicated law enforcement partners at HSI and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.”

Dunn pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. He was also sentenced to five years of federal supervised release following his release from prison, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Michigan.

“In December 2022, an HSI special agent working online in an overcover capacity observed one of Dunn’s co-defendants, Preston Creed-Boehm, post an image of child pornography,” the press release said. “Creed-Boehm also sent child pornography directly to the undercover agent and described sexually abusing two minor victims.”

When Creed-Boehm searched his cell phone after his arrest, it was found that Dunn had saved one of the images on the phone.

Authorities executed a search warrant at Dunn’s home, where another co-defendant, Joshua Hippensteel, also lived.

“Further investigation revealed Dunn’s extensive sexual abuse of five minor children, including grooming, sex acts, and the production of additional child pornography,” the press release said. “Witnesses also revealed to police that Dunn possessed and viewed significant amounts of child pornography obtained over the Internet.”

“Protecting children in our Michigan communities is a team effort from investigation to prosecution,” said Angie M. Salazar, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Detroit. “HSI Detroit is proud to partner with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring accountability and justice to sexual predators while providing care and support to victims. I hope this 40-year sentence provides some comfort to the victims in this case as they continue to heal from these horrible crimes.”

Hippensteel and Creed-Boehm were also charged with sexual exploitation of a minor. Creed-Boehm faces additional charges of distribution and possession of child pornography. The charges against Hippensteel and Creed-Boehm are still pending, the press release said.

“This conviction demonstrates our unwavering determination to combat child abuse and sexual violence,” said Detective Lt. Robert Nickleson of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. “The safety and well-being of our children are our highest priorities. We hope this case serves as a reminder that we must remain vigilant and proactive in protecting our communities. We urge anyone who suspects or has experienced child abuse to contact their local authorities or child protection organizations. You are not alone and help is available.”

Tips can be submitted to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or by calling a local office. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children accepts tips at report.cybertip.org or by calling 1800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). The tip line is operated in partnership with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. Local law enforcement may also be contacted.