Deputies: Caledonia man offered teens alcohol for sex

CALEDONIA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Deputies say a Caledonia man has been arrested in an “alcohol for sex scheme” that involved teenage girls.

Last month, detectives with the Kent County Sheriff’s Office say they got a tip that a 17-year-old girl had sex with an adult man in exchange for alcohol.

According to a release from the sheriff’s office, investigators found evidence that a 42-year-old man from Caledonia was offering local teens a trade: alcohol and vape pens for sex and nude photos. Detectives believe he communicated with girls from areas like Byron Center, Forest Hills, Lowell and Caledonia.

Deputies on Wednesday carried out a search warrant at the man’s home and took him into custody, according to the release. Investigators say they also believe he took videos of sexual acts that happened in his home.

According to the sheriff’s office, the Caledonia man was jailed on five felony charges: aggravated child sexual abuse activity, aggravated distributing/promoting child sexually abusive material, aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material, using a computer to commit a crime and capturing/distributing an image of an unclothed person.

The man’s name was not released Thursday morning, but deputies expected him to be arrested later Thursday.

The Kent County Sheriff’s Office says it takes part in the Crisis Aid International Child Anti-Exploitation Program, working alongside a team that supports and mentors teens in situations like this.

“These advocates work in the same office as detectives and work hand-in-hand with our Human Trafficking Task Force to provide a victim-centered approach when caring for those involved in sex trafficking or sexual-related crimes,” deputies said.

Detectives continue to investigate the case. If you know anything, you’re asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 616.632.6125 or Silent Observer at 616.774.2345.