ESCANABA, Mich. – The Michigan State Police (MSP) Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is announcing the arrest of Joseph Andrew Gavlek, 20 of Escanaba, for child sexually abusive activity-aggravated distributing or promoting and using a computer to commit a crime.
Gavlek was arrested following an investigation that began with a tip from a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). A search Of Gavlek’s residence resulted in the seizure of multiple internet capable devices and other evidence.
Gavlek was charged with six counts of using a computer to commit a crime and six counts of child sexually abusive activity-aggravated distributing or promoting. Gavlek was arraigned in 94th District Court on Thursday, Sept. 22.
If convicted, Gavlek faces up to 15 years in prison for the child sexually abusive activity-aggravated distributing or promoting and 10 years for using a computer to commit a crime.
The MSP Computer Crimes Unit encourages parents to speak to their children about the safe use of the internet. There are many resources available to parents to assist in keeping children safe online. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children provides a comprehensive list of resources on their website at http://www.missingkids.org. The MSP ICAC Task Force also provides resources at http://www.michiganicac.com.
If you have information regarding possible child sexual exploitation, report it to the CyberTipLine at http://www.missingkids.org/cybertipline.
The MSP Computer Crimes Unit frequently investigates offenders who do not use their real names online. Because of this anonymity, news outlets should contact the Delta County Jail or D/Sgt. Nichole Dyson to obtain a photograph of Gavlek.
