Marquette man arrested on child exploitation charges

Troopers with the Michigan State Police 8th District Hometown Security Team began an investigation regarding child sexual predators in the Marquette area. During the investigation, a trooper with the team was posing as a minor on an investigative social media account. 

A 41-year-old male from Marquette began conversing and soliciting to meet up for sexual relations.  Numerous messages were exchanged between the trooper and the suspect.  On 9/7/2022, a female trooper assisted as a decoy near Marquette High School. Detectives conducted surveillance and observed the suspect exit his apartment.  As the suspect approached the female trooper, he was taken into custody. 

The suspect, Royce Hagemeister, was arrested and lodged at the Marquette County Jail on charges of accosting a child for immoral purposes, child sexually abusive activity, and two counts of using a computer to commit a crime. Hagemeister was arraigned in the 96th District Court on 9/15/2022. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

If anyone has information regarding additional victims with this suspect or area, please contact the Michigan State Police, Eighth District Headquarters. The Marquette Police Department assisted MSP at the scene

Staff Report

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*