Twenty one men from three states were arrested in an Internet sex sting in Grand Rapids, MI last weekend. The men ranged in age from 20 to 65, and included a soccer coach, a hockey referee, a truck driver, an insurance salesman and a college student. The suspects were arraigned in 63rd District Court in Kent County on charges of engaging in child sexually abusive activities.

The men were lured to various decoy sites where they allegedly expected to meet a 14-year-old male or female for sex. According to Michigan State Attorney General Mike Cox, few of the arrested men have any criminal background at all. Cox said that one or two of the arrested men had prior convictions for DUI or spousal abuse. Cox said that the operation lasted about two months, during which the suspects formed an online relationship with undercover sheriff’s deputies posing as minors. At the press conference, the AG said that it was the suspects – not the deputies – who suggested meeting for sex.

Under state law, the suspects face up to 20 years in prison if convicted, and are expected back in court on November 3 for probable cause hearings.

If you’ve been arrested as part of an Internet sex operation, you need the assistance of an aggressive criminal defense attorney like Robert Michael Helfend. These operations are conducted successfully by law enforcement officials around the country, and often span international jurisdictions. When you’re facing these serious criminal charges in state or Federal court in Southern California, turn to an experienced defense attorney who will fight for your rights.

The stakes in this game are high. If convicted, you could face a long prison sentence and upon completion, you may be required to register as a sex offender in your state. Even before you go to trial, you risk the loss of your job, career prospects, spouse and family. You need a skilled attorney to defend you throughout these proceedings. Call on an attorney you can trust. Contact Robert Helfend today.

Photo Credit: Michal Zacharzewski