Michigan man indicted on child exploitation charges

DETROIT - A federal grand jury unsealed a 13-count indictment against a Michigan man Wednesday related to the sexual exploitation of children following an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Steven Demink, 41, of Redford, Mich., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Detroit on 13 counts related to the sexual exploitation of children, U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced.

McQuade was joined in the announcement by Brian Moskowitz, special agent in charge of ICE HSI in Detroit. The indictment alleges three counts each of conspiracy to sexually exploit children, aiding and abetting the sexual exploitation of children, online enticement and coercion, and receipt of child pornography. Each set of counts relates to Demink's online relationship with mothers of young children who sexually assaulted their children at Demink's behest.

Demink used a fictitious persona of Dalton St. Clair, a young, single father, to meet single mothers online and encourage, coerce, and entice the mothers to sexually assault their children. These mothers would then send images or provide live web camera access of the conduct to Demink.

Demink was also charged with possessing images of child pornography on his computer while at his home in Redford.

This case is a result of an HSI investigation that has spanned from Idaho, to Florida, to Virginia and involved the arrest of four mothers, and the rescue of 7 children.

"This indictment underscores the fact that there will be no refuge for child sexual predators who believe they can pursue their perverse behavior with impunity online," said ICE Director John Morton. "The vile crimes alleged here are particularly troubling and gives ICE new resolve to tirelessly pursue these predators wherever they exist."

U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade said, "In child exploitation cases, our focus is on predators who are abusing children," McQuade said. "This case resulted in the rescue of seven children who were being sexually abused."

If convicted, Demink faces 15 to 30 years on the conspiracy and aiding and abetting charges, 5 to 20 years on the receipt charges, and up to 10 years on the possession charge.

The case was investigated by agents from ICE HSI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin M. Mulcahy and Hala Jarbou.

ICE encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE. This hotline is staffed around the clock by investigators.

Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, at 1-800-843-5678 or http://www.cybertipline.com/.