BRIAN SIMS

MARQUETTE — The Michigan State Police (MSP) Negaunee Post announced the arrest of 63-year-old Brian Donald Sims of Marquette for Child Sexually Abusive Activity, Accosting a Child for Immoral Purposes, and Using a Computer to Commit a Crime.

Sims was arrested following an investigation which was initiated when it was learned Sims was chatting with and receiving images from an underage child. A search of his residence resulted in digital evidence being seized.

Sims was charged with three counts of Child Sexually Abusive Activity, one count of Accosting a Child for Immoral Purposes, and four counts of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime. Sims was arraigned in the 96th District Court Friday. His bond was set at one-hundred and ten thousand dollars ($110,000) with conditions. He is next due in court on Thursday.

If convicted, Sims faces up to 20 years in prison for Child Sexually Abusive Activity, four years in prison for Accosting a Child for Immoral Purposes, and 20 years in prison for Using a Computer to Commit a Crime. State police remind the public that all defendants are considered innocent unless proven guilty.

The MSP Negaunee Post was assisted by the MSP Computer Crimes Unit, MSP Wayland Post, and Marquette City Police Department.

The MSP encourages parents to speak to their children and family members about safe use of the internet. There are many resources available to assist in keeping people safe online. The MSP ICAC Task Force provides a comprehensive list of resources on their website at http://www.michiganicac.com.

If you have information regarding possible child sexual exploitation, report it to the Cyber Tipline at http://www.missingkids.org/cybertipline.