MACE Makes First Web Cam Arrest
On Line Sexual Predator Arrested in Traverse City

Macomb County Sheriff Mark A. Hackel reports that on Wednesday, 4-19-06 officers from the Macomb Area Computer Enforcement team (M.A.C.E.) arrested a 31 year-old male from Traverse City and charged him with Child Sexually Abusive Activity and Using A Computer In The Commission of a Crime.  The suspect is identified as Dennis Ray Frick Jr.

A Macomb County Sheriff's Deputy Reserve Officer was on the Internet portraying himself as a 14-year-old girl.  While he was on line in an Internet chat room, the suspect initiated an on line chat with "her."  During the course of the chat, the suspect wanted to meet with who he believed was a 14-year-old girl for the purpose of having intercourse and oral sex.  The suspect then made arrangements to meet the "girl" in an agreed upon location in Macomb County.  Detectives from MACE were able to confirm the identity and residence of Dennis Ray Frick Jr. through Secretary of State.  M.A.C.E. Detectives along with Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Deputies executed a search warrant on Dennis Ray Frick Jr.'s residence located in Traverse City and apprehended the suspect.

The suspect was charged with seven Felony charges (3) Counts of Child Sexually Abusive Activity, (2) Counts of Use of a Computer Communicating with another to commit a Crime/Felony, (2) Count of Accosting a Child for Immoral Purposes.  

The suspect was arraigned Friday morning in the 41-B District Court of Clinton Township. 
Bond was set at $50,000.00 cash/surety. 

 

Statement from Sheriff Mark A. Hackel:

"There are no words to convey just how disturbing cases are that involve the sexual exploitation of children. Computers are a necessary and important part of life today.

Parents need to be extra vigilant and communicate with their children to help prevent this type of behind-closed-doors activity.

Predators who use the Internet to prey on susceptible minors in order to harm or exploit them will be sought out by MACE and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Macomb County Sheriff Mark A. Hackel said.

Safety tips for parents and kids regarding Web Cams

• · If you're using a webcam, position the camera so that the other person can't view your face.
• · Set up a different persona that's in no way related to you and create a new account just for that purpose.
• · Pick a word at random and use that for your cyber name rather than anything that can be a clue about who you are.
• · Change your name and account regularly.
• · Don't give out any personal details, including your mobile number, real name, where you live etc.
• · Tell a close friend that you can trust what you are up to - if things start to get too much at least you'll have someone to talk to.