On June 26th 2023, Mackinac County Sheriffs Deputies received information that an 18-year-old Portage Township man was engaged in an inappropriate online relationship with a 12-year-old female in a suburb of Austin, TX.
During the course of the investigation, Sheriffs Deputies determined Kelton Paul Salowitz of Curtis, MI had been sending and receiving sexually abusive photographs and videos with a minor female. Communications with the minor female were primarily transmitted through the social media app, Discord.
Several search warrants were executed over the course of the 8-month investigation. Deputies conducted a forensic examination of Salowitz electronic devices which revealed hundreds of photographs and videos of child sexually abusive material (CSAM). A video was also found of Salowitz engaged in a sexual act with a dog.
Several other minor victims were also identified over the course of the investigation. These minors were all known to the original victim.
Salowitz was arrested and arraigned in the 92nd District Court on the following charges:
10 Counts – Child Sexually Abusive Activity (Aggravated)
11 Counts – Child Sexually Abusive Material (Possession)
1 Count – Child Sexually Abusive Activity (Distributing or Promoting)
2 Counts- Using a Computer to Commit a Crime
1 Count- Sodomy (Bestiality)
Court set bond at $250 000 cash/surety and Salowitz is due back in court on March 9, 2024@ 10am.
The Mackinac County Sheriffs Office was assisted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Killeen (Texas) Police Department.
The Mackinac County Sheriffs Office would like to remind parents to monitor their child’s use of social media. It is also important to talk with your child about the dangers of sending personal information to strangers on the internet.
Any further questions, please contact the Mackinac County Sheriffs Office.
