A Clyde Township man has been arrested after he was reportedly caught distributing child pornography online, according to Michigan State Police.
Thomas Hinkle, 44, was arraigned Friday on six felonies, including one count of aggravated distribution or promotion of child sexually abusive material, two counts of aggravated possession of child sexually exploitative material, and three counts of using a computer to commit a crime.
A news release from Michigan State Police said Hinkle’s digital devices were seized as part of the investigation, leading to the discovery of several files of child pornography in his possession.
“The MSP Computer Crimes Unit encourages parents to speak to their children about the safe use of the internet,” the news release states. “There are many resources available to parents to assist in keeping children safe online.”
Those resources include http://www.missingkids.org, run by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Michigan State Police’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force also maintains online information for parents, available at http://www.michiganicac.com.
Distribution of child pornography is punishable with up to 15 years in prison. A scheduling conference in Hinkle’s case is scheduled for 9 a.m. Oct. 22.
Contact Johnathan Hogan at jhogan@gannett.com.
