Joseph Francis Bowers

MARQUETTE — MI. The Michigan State Police (MSP) Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is announcing the arrest of 31-year-old Joseph Francis Bowers, of Marquette, for possession of child sexually abusive material – aggravated, and using a computer to commit a crime.

Bowers was arrested following an investigation which was initiated when it was learned Bowers was possessing, manufacturing, and distributing child sexually abusive material on the internet. A search of Bowers upon his arrest resulted in the seizure of digital evidence.

Bowers was charged with five counts of possession of child sexually abusive material – aggravated, and five counts of using a computer to commit a crime. Bowers was arraigned in the 96th District Court of Marquette County on Friday, October 17, 2025.

If convicted, Bowers faces up to twenty-five years in prison for possession of child sexually abusive material – aggravated, and twenty years in prison for using a computer to commit a crime. The defendant is considered innocent unless proven guilty.

The MSP Computer Crimes Unit 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 Michigan ICAC Task Force provides a comprehensive list of resources on their website at https://www.michigan.gov/icac.

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Media Contact: Lt. Ben Eckola, MSP