Mancelona Resident Arrested for Aggravated Child Sexually Abusive Activity

MANCELONA, MICH. The Michigan State Police (MSP) Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is announcing the arrest of Joseph Alan-Anthony Lopata, 53 of Mancelona, for aggravated child sexually abusive activity, aggravated distributing/promoting of child sexually abusive activity, possession of child sexually abusive material, and using a computer to commit a crime.

Lopata was arrested following an investigation which began when a tip was received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). A search of Lopata’s residence resulted in digital evidence being seized.

Lopata was charged with one count of aggravated child sexually abusive activity, one count of aggravated distributing/promoting of child sexually abusive activity, one count of possession of child sexually abusive material, and one count of using a computer to commit a crime. Lopata was arraigned in the 86 th Judicial District Court on Wednesday, September 2.

The ICAC Task Force was assisted by the MSP Gaylord Post and the Seventh District Emergency Support Team.

The MSP Computer Crimes Unit encourages parents to speak to their children about the safe use of the internet. There are many resources available to parents to assist in keeping children safe online. The NCMEC provides a comprehensive list of resources on their website at https://www.missingkids.org. The Michigan ICAC Task Force also provides resources at https://www.michigan.gov/ICAC.

If you have information regarding possible child sexual exploitation, report it to the CyberTipline at
https://www.missingkids.org/cybertipline.