News Releases

Michigan man sentenced to 30 years for child sexual exploitation

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A Michigan man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison Wednesday on child sexual exploitation charges. The sentence follows an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

According to the investigation, Stephen Graham-Wright, 21, of Big Rapids, Mich., was arrested Oct. 31, 2010, on state charges of criminal sexual conduct in the second degree before being charged federally.

Following his state arrest, HSI special agents conducted forensics examinations of computers and other digital media belonging to Graham-Wright, which revealed video footage of Graham-Wright and a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

An associate of Graham-Wright, Kayla Grillo, was sentenced earlier this year in 49th District Circuit Court on related charges. She is currently in state prison.

"This sentence is a clear demonstration of the consequences awaiting those who sexually exploit children, either physically or through digital media, or in this case both," said Brian M. Moskowitz, special agent in charge of ICE HSI Michigan and Ohio. "HSI will continue its aggressive efforts to identify and arrest those like Mr. Graham-Wright who prey on children."

This investigation was part of Operation Predator, a nationwide ICE initiative to protect children from sexual predators, including those who travel overseas for sex with minors, Internet child pornographers, criminal alien sex offenders and child sex traffickers. ICE encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators.

Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, at 1-800-843-5678 or http://www.cybertipline.com.