MI- Byron Township man caught in online predator sting pleads guilty

4-1-2009 Michigan (Phase-I Sentencing):

GRAND RAPIDS -- A Byron Township man has pleaded guilty to using the Internet to commit child sexually abusive conduct.

Jason Ebels, 25, was in Kent County Circuit Court Wednesday where he pleaded guilty to the crime, which could bring at least 18 months behind bars.

Ebels was one of more than 20 men arrested in a sting targeting online predators, conducted by the state Attorney General's Office and the group Perverted Justice.

Ebels' lawyer, Craig Haehnel said his client has been diagnosed with leukemia and needs frequent treatments.

Haehnel is asking the court to cooperate with the defense so Ebels' treatment can continue uninterrupted. He is scheduled to be sentenced May 18.

Also convicted Tuesday from the same sting operation was Buchanan resident Andrew Schutze, charged of two counts of soliciting a minor for purposes of having sex, 20-year felonies. ..News Source.. by The Grand Rapids Press