James Edward Smith II

ALPENA — The Michigan State Police (MSP) Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force said in a Monday press release that James Edward Smith II, 45, of Alpena, was arrested for aggravated child sexually abusive activity, aggravated distributing or promoting child sexually abusive activity, aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material, and using a computer to commit a crime.

According to the MSP press release, Smith was arrested following an investigation in which digital evidence was seized. The investigation was initiated when it was discovered that Smith was viewing files of child sexually abusive material on the internet.

Smith was charged with one count of aggravated child sexually abusive activity, one count of aggravated distributing or promoting child sexually abusive activity, four counts of aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material, and three counts of using a computer to commit a crime, the press release said. Smith was arraigned in the 88th District Court on Monday, June 30.

The MSP ICAC Task Force was assisted by the MSP Alpena Post and the MSP Canine Team.

The MSP Computer Crimes Unit encourages parents to speak to their children about the safe use of the internet, the press release continued. 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.