BESSEMER — The Michigan State Police (MSP) Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force announced the arrest of a man from Wakefield, for aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material.

George Hilty, 41, was arrested following an investigation which was initiated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the ICAC Task Force when it was learned that Hilty may have allegedly accessed and shared illicit content on the internet. A search of his residence resulted in digital evidence being seized.

Hilty was charged with three counts of child sexually abusive material (aggravated possession). Hilty was arraigned in the 98th District Court of Gogebic County on Thursday, May 14. The subject 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 children safe online. The NCMEC provides a comprehensive list of resources on their website at https://www.missingkids.org. The Michigan ICAC Task Force provides resources at https://www.michigan.gov/ICAC.

Anyone with any information regarding possible child sexual exploitation, is asked to report it to the CyberTipline at https://www.missingkids.org/cybertipline.