Man sentenced for computer crimes – Traverse City Record Eagle

TRAVERSE CITY Bradley Thomas Southerton knows he lost trust in the local community but he said hell do everything he can to earn it back. And hell have the next four years on probation to prove it.

The 37-year-old Traverse City man last month pleaded guilty to a felony count of using a computer to commit a crime after authorities seized his computer and discovered a trove of suspected child pornography. Prosecutors argued up to 5,000 images some involving infants were uncovered during the investigation.

But Southertons attorney Craig Elhart argued only a handful of the files were confirmed as child sexually abusive material. Many of them could have been nude images but they werent necessarily abusive, he said. And Southerton deleted the files just as quickly as he realized they existed in his hard drive, Elhart added.

This is not a victimless crime and although I never in my life would hurt or harm anyone, I realize that I have here, Southerton explained to 13th Circuit Court Judge Kevin Elsenheimer. It was a stupid mistake and it was foolish and Ill never do this again. Ill always be ashamed of it. This is not me.

Southerton dodged a potential seven-year prison stint and will serve four years of probation following his conviction, Elsenheimer decided Friday. The judge recognized the extraordinarily disgusting nature of the accusations but said Southerton isnt a threat to the public and understands his behavior was wrong.

Its clear this behavior is outside the expected behavior from him, Elsenheimer said. He has no prior record whatsoever no felonies, no misdemeanors. Hes not a traditional criminal. In lieu of a sentence to jail, Ill simply let you know youll plan on going to jail for 30 days for any (probation) violation at all."

Michigan State Police investigators in January seized Southertons computer after they received a tip that an online sharing account connected to the suspect had been used to share and receive child sexually abusive material. He pleaded not guilty to several criminal charges but later accepted a deal that dropped all but one.

Grand Traverse County Assistant Prosecutor Kyle Attwood said Southerton tried to minimize the severity of the offense. He argued the defendant traded pictures with other people around the world and contributed to an underground industry that exploits and endangers young children.

County Prosecutor Bob Cooney also said Southerton soon will be placed on Michigan's sex-offender registry and undergo mandated counseling.

Elsenheimer said Southerton is highly regarded by his family, peers and associates. He recognized the severity of the accusations but noted that he took steps to delete the images from his computer before the investigation began. The problem: Nothing is ever really deleted in cyberspace, Elsenheimer added.

If you come back, you can plan on bringing your toothbrush, Elsenheimer told Southerton.

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Man sentenced for computer crimes - Traverse City Record Eagle