June 25, 2009

LANSING -   Attorney General Mike Cox today announced the arrest of Andrew Douglas Walthers, 40, of Muskegon, for using the Internet to solicit minors for sex after he made advances in online chats toward what he thought was a 14-year-old girl.

"This arrest is yet another warning sign for parents that the Internet can be a dangerous place for our children," said Cox.  "I can't emphasize enough that parents be vigilant in monitoring their kids' online activities to protect them from predators."

Walthers chatted online with who he thought was a 14-year-old girl, but was in fact talking to undercover personnel.  In the chat sessions, Walthers propositioned the undercover persona to engage in sexual activity and also sent sexually explicit photographs.

The defendant is charged with:

·                  Three counts of using a computer to accost a child for

           immoral purposes, a 20-year felony; and,   

·                  Two counts of using a computer/Internet to disseminate sexually explicit matter to a minor, a 4-year felony.

The defendant was arraigned by video conference at the Muskegon County Jail before the Judge Pasarela of the 60^th District Court.  Walthers received a $200,000 cash or surety bond.  A pre-exam is scheduled on July 2^nd and a preliminary exam is scheduled on July 9^th.

Parents are encouraged to check their children's "buddy lists" for the screen name Walthers' screen name, "awaltherslong."  If they believe their child had contact with Walthers, parents should contact the Attorney General's office at (313) 456-0180.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

Cox's Child and Public Protection Unit has arrested 236 Internet sex predators.  Attorney General Cox encourages parents to visit www.michigan.gov/ag for tips on safe Internet usage for children. Citizens can also report suspected Internet child predators via the Report Internet Abuses Against Children link, or by calling the Child and Public Protection Unit at (313) 456-0180.

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