NORWAY, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Michigan State Police (MSP) Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is announcing the arrest of Frank Marie DiPaola III, 46 of Norway, for child sexually abusive activity-aggravated and using a computer to commit a crime.
DiPaola was arrested following an investigation in which digital evidence was seized from his residence. The investigation was initiated when it was learned that DiPaola was viewing files of child sexually abusive material on the internet.
Following the search of his residence, DiPaola was charged with four counts of child sexually abusive activity – aggravated, and four counts of using a computer to commit a crime. DiPaola was arraigned in the 95th District Court on Thursday, June 29.
If convicted, DiPaola faces up to 25 years in prison for the child sexually abusive activity-aggravated and 20 years for using a computer to commit a crime. The MSP Computer Crimes Unit was assisted by MSP Iron Mountain Post, Menominee and Norway Police Departments, and the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office.
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.
