GROSSE ILE, Mich. – A Grosse Ile man is facing federal child pornography charges after investigators say an FBI search of his home uncovered evidence connected to online activity reported through Google cyber tips.
Michael Wendt, 38, was taken into custody following a federal search warrant executed at a home on Thorofare Road in Grosse Ile, according to court documents filed in the case.
How the investigation began
The investigation began after Google submitted reports to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children regarding suspected child sexual abuse material, investigators said.
Court records state multiple uploaded files were flagged, including 11 images that authorities say met the federal definition of child pornography.
Investigators said Wendt’s phone number, email address and internet protocol addresses were linked to the reported activity.
What agents found
Federal agents executed the search warrant and later obtained additional information from an individual who told investigators they had discovered hundreds of images of child sexual abuse material on Wendt’s computer about two years earlier but did not report it because they were concerned about how Wendt would respond.
According to court documents, Wendt was later arrested during a traffic stop.
Investigators seized and searched his phone, where a forensic review allegedly found hundreds of images of child pornography, including some that matched the files reported through the cyber tips.
Authorities also said the device contained images depicting the sexual abuse of minors of various ages, including infants.
Investigators said a review of Wendt’s internet browser showed multiple tabs open to child pornography websites and that screenshots from those websites were saved in his phone’s camera roll.
Charges, case status
Wendt has been charged with three federal offenses related to the alleged possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. Court records do not indicate that Wendt has entered a plea.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
The case remains under investigation.