TC Man Arrested for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

A 33-year-old Traverse City man, Russell Harp, was arrested for aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material and using a computer to commit a crime following an investigation that began after a tip was submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

The Michigan State Police (MSP) Computer Crimes Unit/Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force announced Harp's arrest Wednesday. According to MSP, a search of Harp’s home "resulted in numerous Internet-capable devices being seized. Harp was charged with three counts of aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material and one count of using a computer to commit a crime."

Harp was arraigned in the 86th Judicial District Court on August 1. The MSP ICAC Task Force was assisted by the 7th District ES Team and the MSP Traverse City Post. The MSP Computer Crimes Unit "encourages parents to speak to their children about the safe use of the Internet," according to the release. "There are many resources available to parents to assist in keeping children safe online."

Anyone with information regarding possible child sexual exploitation can report it to the Cyber Tip Line here.