The Macomb Area Computer Enforcement unit is comprised of investigators from the Sheriff’s Office. In 2008 the unit opened 531 cases, and made 41 arrests for various criminal activities, six were charged federally. Investigations may be lengthy especially if a search warrant may be required for subscriber information. This usually takes up to four weeks for a return of information.

M.A.C.E. is funded by the tax payers of Macomb County at 70 cents per year, per tax payer. Every M.A.C.E. arrest generates restitution at the rate of $1,000.00, which is deposited into the general fund for the County of Macomb.

In 2008 M.A.C.E. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Michigan ICAC for a forensic investigator to work part-time out of the Livonia ICAC office. MACE has continued a close relationship with the Michigan ICAC (Internet Crimes against Children). This partnership has continued to benefit all parties involves. This partnership has allowed for additional technical assistance, Licenses and training which M.A.C.E. Detectives would have not otherwise had access to. The necessary training and equipment received by M.A.C.E. detectives has been completely funded by ICAC and has saved the County of Macomb over $45,000.00 a significant amount of money.

M.A.C.E. has continued a great relationship with the Federal Bureau of Investigations. In February of 2008 M.A.C.E. received over $13,000.00 for necessary equipment from the FBI. The FBI continues to supply M.A.C.E. with office space and the necessary equipment for everyday operations.

M.A.C.E. has continued to see an increase of frauds, identity thefts and Nigerian scams. While these cases are difficult to investigate due to wireless internet access throughout the county, M.A.C.E. investigators have been able to successfully investigate and prosecute individuals committing these types of crimes.

M.A.C.E. has Reserve Officers who are trained in presenting and assisting with local schools and parents in a prevention and education role.

Click here if you would like a M.A.C.E. Presentation from one of our officer.

M.A.C.E. INVESTIGATIVES

Warren, MI
M.A.C.E. detectives received an investigative lead from the FBI office that an individual in Macomb County was continuously posting messages on an Internet chat channel that he was in search of an infant to toddler age girl to molest. The suspect was looking to share files. The undercover officer was able to make contact with the suspect. The Suspect allowed the undercover his file share. The undercover was able to obtain numerous Child Pornography images. The images were sexually explicit of toddler and infant girls that were being molested by adult males.

Mace Detectives were able to locate the suspect and make an arrest. The suspect admitted to molesting a 2 year old little girl whom he babysat. The suspect also admitted that he was actively looking for an infant to toddler age girl that he could be with.

This person was charged federally and pled guilty to Distributing Child pornography. He was sentenced in January, 2009 to 20 years federal prison.

Chesterfield Twp, MI
M.A.C.E. detectives received a call from Warren P.D. to assist and take a complaint from a concerned citizen regarding child pornography and the solicitation of a 9 year old boy. M.A.C.E. detectives met with the complainant.

M.A.C.E. detectives executed emergency search warrants and obtained phone and computer information. MACE Detectives were able to confirm that a 9 year old boy lived at a residence in the Chesterfield Township and was in danger. Child Protective Service was contacted and was there when M.A.C.E. executed the search warrant on the residence. It was discovered that the suspect had two boys 9 & 4 years of age. The boys were turned over to Child Protective Service, who transported them to foster care. The Suspect, his wife and the suspect’s two children were home when M.A.C.E. executed the search warrant on the residence.

The suspect admitted that he had taken numerous naked photos of both his son’s and had sent them over the internet to others. The suspect also admitted to having performed sex acts with both of his boys more than a handful of times. The suspect stated that he is bi-sexual and has a sexual addiction.

The suspectis charged with CSC 1 st degree, multiple counts of Child Sexually abusive Activity, Distribution of Child Pornography and possession of Child Pornography.

Bruce Twp, MI
M.A.C.E. Detectives received information from a Deputy that took a report from a resident who noticed a camera was placed in their 10 year old daughter’s bathroom. The resident stated they believed that their neighbor, who lives across the street, is the most likely person who would put a camera in their daughter’s bathroom.

The neighbor confessed to M.A.C.E. detectives that he had installed the camera in the 11 year old’s bathroom with hopes to view her naked. M.A.C.E. Detectives recovered a video of what appears to be of the 11 year old girl naked getting into the shower.

The neighborwas charged federally and pled guilty to possession of child pornography. This individual is scheduled to be sentenced in January of 2010.