DAUER

SAULT STE. MARIE — Michael Louis Dauer, 24, of Sault Ste. Marie has been arrested on charges of possessing child sexually abusive material.

The Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force announced on Monday that Dauer was arrested for aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material, possession of child sexually abusive material and using a computer to commit a crime.

Dauer was arrested following an investigation that started when it was learned that he was viewing files of child sexually abusive material on the Internet. Digital evidence was seized from Dauer’s residence after a search was conducted.

Dauer has been charged with four counts of aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material, one count of possession of child sexually abusive material, and two counts of using a computer to commit a crime. He was arraigned in the 91st District Court in Sault Ste. Marie on March 7.

Dauer is due back in court on March 20. His bond was set at $50,000 and includes conditions such as a tether, no contact with anyone under the age of 18 and no access to a computer or social media.

If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison for aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material and 10 years in prison for using a computer to commit a crime.

The defendant is considered innocent unless proven guilty.

The MSP Computer Crimes Unit encourages parents to speak to their children about the safe use of the Internet, and 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 missingkids.org. The Michigan ICAC Task Force also provides resources at michiganicac.com. If you have information regarding possible child sexual exploitation, report it to the CyberTipLine at missingkids.org/cybertipline.