Michigan probationary officer charged with child porn possession
Alexander Stachura,
FOX 2 - A Meridian Township probationary officer is facing felony charges accused of possession of child sexually abusive materials possession.
Alexander Stachura, 38, of Williamston, was arrested following an investigation that started when a member of the public contacted the MSP with information. A search of Stachura’s residence resulted in digital evidence being seized.
Michigan State Police's Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is handling the case against Stachura, who was was placed on paid administrative leave.
Stachura was charged with three counts of child sexually abusive material possession and three counts of using a computer to commit a crime. He was arraigned on Dec. 11.
If convicted, Stachura faces up to four years in prison for each count of child sexually abusive material possession.
A probationary officer is a newly hired police officer who is still undergoing training.
Meridian Chief of Police Richard Grillo said in a statement that Stachuara's employment "has been concluded"
"On December 10, we learned Ingham County Prosecuting Attorney John Dewane had filed felony criminal charges against Mr. Stachura," he said. "While we respect the criminal justice process and its presumption of innocence until proven guilty, we recognize a resolution is unlikely to be reached quickly.
"This strains our department’s staff as they fill in for the absent probationary officer, who cannot reasonably fulfill his duties while the criminal justice process unfolds. For this reason, we concluded his employment on December 10. "