GROSSE POINTE PARK, Mich. – A Grosse Pointe Park attorney used photos of family members’ faces and pasted them onto child porn pictures to view and share with others, according to prosecutors.
Nelson Otto Ropke, 41, of Grosse Pointe Park, was arraigned on the following 26 felony counts on Wednesday, April 22, 2026:
- Two counts of aggravated child sexually abusive activity -- a felony with a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.
- Four counts of aggravated distribution of child sexually abusive activity -- a felony with a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
- Four counts of aggravated possession of child sexually abusive activity -- a felony with a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
- Two counts of capturing/distributing an image of an unclothed person -- a felony with a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
- One count of possession of child sexually abusive matter -- a felony with a maximum penalty of four years in prison.
- 13 counts of using a computer to commit a crime -- all felonies with various maximum penalties (more on that below).
During the arraignment, Ropke waived a formal reading of the charges, stood mute and a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
Tina Ripley, assistant prosecuting attorney at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, argued for a high bond, alleging the case involves more than passive possession.
They told the court Ropke is accused of creating child sexually abusive material by pasting faces, including his own and those of family members, onto images of children engaged in sexual acts.
They further alleged he communicated with others online to receive and distribute such material.
They also accused him of secretly capturing videos and pictures of himself and his ex-wife engaged in sexual acts, sharing the materials on a website.
Ripley argued Ropke poses a danger to the community, emphasizing that he is accused of actively creating and distributing illicit material. She also cited his profession as an attorney, saying his access to resources and connections increases his potential flight risk.
Prosecutors requested a $1 million bond and, if released, sought conditions including no access to electronic devices, no contact with minors or his ex-wife, and GPS monitoring. Concerns were also raised about fear among family members due to alleged past threats. He allegedly
Andrew Moxie, Ropke’s court-appointed attorney, told the court Ropke is currently unemployed and that his “housing situation is limited.” He most recently was at a nursing facility in Harper Woods, and “seems to be having some severe heart conditions,” noting he was hospitalized at the time of the hearing.
Ropke is currently on probation out of Grosse Pointe Farms.
Judge John R. Parnell said he was “very concerned” about the nature of the allegations, especially given that they are alleged to have occurred while Ropke was on probation.
According to court records, in September 2024, Ropke was sentenced to 24 months of probation on the charges of disturbing the peace/disorderly person and operating while impaired.
The judge set bond at $1 million cash/surety, with no 10% option.
If Ropke posts bond, he must have no contact with anyone under 18, no contact with his ex-wife or any alleged victims, and a ban on using internet-capable devices. He must also surrender his passport and any devices with cameras, including his cellphone. The court said he may use a phone without internet access solely to communicate with his attorney.
A probable cause conference is scheduled for May 6, and his preliminary examination is scheduled for May 13.