Multi-State ICAC Investigation Leads to Arrests in Florida and Michigan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Multi-State ICAC Investigation Leads to Arrests in Florida and Michigan

VAN BUREN COUNTY, Mich. — A joint Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation involving the Michigan State Police, Indian River County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, and the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in the arrests of two individuals following an investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of children and the production and transmission of child sexual abuse material.

The investigation began after law enforcement received a cybertip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding suspected child sexual abuse material transmitted through the online messaging platform Kik. Investigators obtained legal process for associated online accounts and recovered images, videos, and communications that identified an adult female in Florida and an adult male in Michigan as persons of interest.

Investigators determined that the two suspects shared two young children. During the investigation, evidence was developed indicating that the female suspect allegedly sexually abused the children while the male suspect allegedly viewed the abuse through FaceTime and directed the conduct remotely.

On September 3, 2026, detectives with the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the female suspect’s residence in Vero Beach, Florida. The female suspect was interviewed and subsequently arrested. She faces felony charges related to the alleged sexual abuse of the children and the transmission of child sexual abuse material.

Later that evening, detectives with the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office were contacted and requested to immediately secure potential digital evidence from the male suspect before it could be destroyed or deleted. Investigators obtained a search warrant for the suspect’s residence in the 25 Thousand Block of M 43 Highway in Almena Township, Van Buren County.

Due to information indicating firearms were present at the residence, the search warrant was treated as a high-risk operation. Van Buren County Detectives, Van Buren County SWAT and members of the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division executed the search warrant and secured the residence. All members of the Van Buren County Sheriffs Office were able to execute the search warrant without incident.

During the search, detectives assigned to the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office Computer Crimes Unit seized a cellular telephone, two computers, and a tablet believed to contain evidence of child sexual abuse material. The devices will undergo forensic examination as the investigation continues.

During the investigation, detectives also developed evidence and obtained statements indicating the male suspect allegedly sexually abused the one-year-old victim.

The male suspect was arrested and lodged in the Van Buren County Jail. He faces charges including First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct and multiple counts related to the manufacture of aggravated child sexually abusive material. Additional charges may be authorized as the investigation and forensic examination of the seized devices continue.

As a result of the investigation, both children—a three-year-old boy and a one-year-old girl—were removed from the suspects’ care and are now safe and receiving appropriate medical attention and services.

Sheriff Abbott stated, “This investigation demonstrates the importance of agencies working together across jurisdictions when crimes against children are identified. Our detectives and patrol deputies acted quickly to secure evidence and protect these children. We are grateful for the cooperation and dedication of all of our ICAC partners who worked together to bring these suspects to justice and, most importantly, ensure the safety of these children.”

The investigation remains ongoing. The seized digital devices will undergo forensic examination for additional evidence, and investigators continue to work with their state and federal ICAC partners.

This investigation reflects the coordinated efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement partners working across state lines to identify offenders, preserve digital evidence, and protect children from exploitation.

All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.