A Hazel Park man is jailed on $1 million bond after Northville Township Police helped investigate allegations that he participated in, directed and funded the sexual assault of children.
Russell Joseph Wright, 51, was arraigned Friday, Aug. 14, in 43rd District Court in Hazel Park on six counts of child sexually abusive activity-aggravated, according to ClickOnDetroit and Fox 2 Detroit. He is being held in the Oakland County Jail, according to The Oakland Press.
Michigan State Police said the arrest followed an investigation initiated by Homeland Security Investigations, Northville Township Police and the state's Internet Crimes Against Children task force. The multi-agency probe turned up evidence that Wright may have participated in, directed and funded the sexual assault of children, MSP said, prompting a search of his home where digital evidence was seized.
The ICAC task force includes more than 50 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies that investigate offenders who use the internet or computer technology to sexually exploit children. Northville Township Police is among the local departments that contributed to this case.
Wright remains jailed.
He is due back in court Tuesday, Aug. 25, for a probable cause conference before Judge Brian Hartwell. A preliminary examination is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 1.
No spokesperson for Northville Township Police has commented publicly on the department's specific role in the investigation.
Residents who have information about crimes against children can contact Northville Township Police at (248) 349-9400 or report tips to the Michigan ICAC task force through Michigan State Police.
