Sumpter Township man facing federal child sex abuse charges
A 30-year-old Sumpter Township man is facing federal criminal charges in connection to sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography.
Bryce Silas Patterson was charged with sex trafficking of a minor, sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography following an investigation by the Southeast Michigan Trafficking and Exploitation Crime (SEMTEC) Task Force, the FBI and the Sumpter Police Department according to United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. and Sumpter Township Police Chief Eric Luke.
Patterson appeared in federal court Monday, March 23, and was ordered detained by a magistrate judge. His preliminary court examination on the charges is set for April 2.
According to the criminal complaint, agents with SEMTEC conducted an undercover operation in an effort to recover a minor who was believed to be the victim of sex trafficking. Information gathered by the agents alleged that Patterson posted advertisements for commercial sex, which included photos of minor girls, on a commonly used website. In addition to posting the ads, Patterson would arrange for the transportation of the minor on sex dates and collect payments from the minor victims, according to claims submitted to the federal court.
A search of Patterson’s cellular device revealed images and a video which contained child sexual abusive material, which Patterson had created depicting one of the minor victims he trafficked, according to a charging statement. Sumpter Township Police and federal task force agents arrested Patterson last week, according to a statement from the federal authorities.
“The Sumpter Township Police Department extends its sincere appreciation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their dedicated efforts and professionalism in successfully identifying and apprehending Patterson, a resident of Sumpter, for the alleged crimes stated in the complaint,” commented Luke. “The commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and pursuing justice has a direct and meaningful impact on the safety and well-being of our residents. We remain steadfast in our shared mission to safeguard our community from those who seek to do harm” Luke continued.
“These alleged crimes are disgusting,” commented Gorgon. “SEMTEC is designed to hunt down sex traffickers who try to sell our children. And we are honored to do this good work with our federal, state and local partners,” he added.
Federal agents and Luke requested anyone with information about this case or who may be a victim call the FBI at (313) 965-2323.
