(CBS-DETROIT) – A former Michigan probation officer is facing six felony charges following a police investigation that began based on a public tip.
Court records show 38-year-old Alexander Stachura has been charged with three counts of possession of child sexual abuse material and three counts of using a computer to commit a crime.
Michigan State Police began an investigation into Stachura after receiving a tip from a member of the public. Authorities say they seized digital evidence after searching his home.
Stachura, of Williamston, was arraigned Wednesday and his bond has been set at $20,000.
The 38-year-old was a probationary officer with the Meridian Township Police Department, but Chief Rick Grillo said he was released Tuesday after charges were filed.
“While we respect the criminal justice process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, we recognize that a resolution is unlikely to be reached quickly. This places a strain on our department’s staff as they fill in for the absent probation officer who cannot reasonably fulfill his or her duties while the criminal justice process unfolds,” Grillo said in a statement.
Meridian Township police were notified Oct. 2 of the Michigan State Police investigation into Stachura. 29.
A probable cause conference is scheduled for Tuesday morning and a preliminary investigation will take place on December 26.
Anyone with information about possible child sexual exploitation can report it here or call Police Sergeant Thomas Gladney at the Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit at 269-845-0994.
