Sterling Heights man sentenced in child-porn case from 2014

Officials found child pornography on John Cafarelli's personal computer

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – A Sterling Heights man was sentenced Tuesday on 10 felonies in in connection with a child-pornography case that began in 2014.

John Cafarelli, 43, was found guilty of possession of child sexually abusive materials, distribution of child sexually abusive materials and using a computer to commit a crime. He was sentenced to 23 months to seven years in prison. He is also required to register as a sex offender for 25 years.

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"This cas proves that those who choose to victimize innocent children will be held accountable for their crimes," Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said. "While it cannot undo what has been done, this sentencing means another child predator is off the streets."

What happpened

The Internet Crimes Against Children task force began investigating Cafarelli's case in 2014, when online child pornography was traced to his IP address.

A search warrant was issued, and agents searched his home. When Cafarelli answered the door for the search warrant, he was partially clothed and child pornography was actively running on his computer, officials said.

Agents seized a desktop computer form Cafarelli's bedroom, and numerous images of child sexually abusive materials were found.

"Possession of child pornography is a despicable crime and there must be consequences," Schuette said. "Every time an image is looked at or sent to someone new, the child in that photo is victimized all over again. This guilty verdict provides justice by taking another child predator off the street."

Cafarelli pleaded guilty in October 2016, but claimed he was innocent during sentencing in November 2016 and withdrew his original plea.

The case was sent to trial, and he was found guilty in July.

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About the Authors:

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.