Man caught in August human-trafficking sting headed to prison

On Monday, Bales pleaded no contest in Huron County 52nd Circuit Court to child sexually abusive activity or material, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000; using a computer to commit a crime, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000; and accosting a child for immoral purposes, a felony punishable by up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $4,000.

Sentencing is set for Monday, Nov. 21, in Huron County 52nd Circuit Court before Judge Gerald M. Prill.

Rutkowski wanted to thank Sheriff Kelly Hanson and the Huron County Sheriff's Office for leading the operation as well as the Sanilac and Tuscola County sheriff's offices, the Sanilac County Drug Task Force and the Bad Axe Police Department for their assistance in resolving this case.

“My office will continue to work with law enforcement to ensure that our community is kept safe from those who participate in activities that are harmful, abusive, and predatory to our children,” Rutkowski said in a press release on Wednesday.

According to an Aug. 18 press release from Hanson, the operation was conducted from an undisclosed location in Caseville Township and utilized internet sex and prostitution sites.

“The suspects would literally ‘shop' these sites, then reach out believing they were communicating and arranging a meeting with an underage sex participant,” Hanson said in August. “However, they were actually reaching out and communicating with our tri-county team. When (the suspect) arrived at the undisclosed location, young deputy sheriff decoys were utilized by being visible in order to satisfy suspicions and curiosities of the suspects. (The suspect) acknowledged wanting to have sex with an underage male.”