MI- Alleged sex predators

11-18-2008 Michigan: (Phase-I)

They were arrested as part of an Internet sting

GRAND RAPIDS TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - A plea deal is in the works for at least two southwest Michigan men, among 21 suspects busted in October during an Internet predator sting.

24 Hour News 8 was there when the men showed up for their dates, but were met by police.

_____, 32, of Watervliet and 31 Year old _____, 31, of Buchanan face up to 20 years in jail on three felony charges involving charges of soliciting minors over the Internet for sex.

In court, attorneys for both men revealed the Attorney General's office offered them a deal.

Plead guilty to one of the counts - possession of child sexually abusive material - and the Attorney General will drop two other felony charges. In exchange, both would serve a minimum of 18 months in prison.

The AG's office had offered to drop one felony charges in each of the 21 cases earlier this month.

The men were arrested during a sting operation conducted by the Michigan Attorney General's office and the Kent County Sheriff's Department.

Tuesday's court hearing was supposed to determine if there's enough evidence to send the two men to trial.

_____ and _____ waived their right to the hearing. That sends the case to Circuit Court where the plea deal, if _____ and _____ agree to it, will be finalized.

The men, including eight from West Michigan, allegedly talked with girls claiming to be as young as 13 over the Internet and arranged to meet them for sex.

Those girls were actually investigators from the Attorney General's office and the group Perverted Justice. ..News Source.. by Joe LaFurgey