Hillsdale County Man Arrested For Child Sexually Abusive Material

An investigation conducted by the Michigan State Police (MSP) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force has resulted in the arrest of a man from Hillsdale County. Richard Hartsell, 29 of Jonesville, was arrested July 11 and was arraigned at 2A District Court, in Hillsdale County on Friday, July 12. At his arraignment, Hartsell was issued a $960,000 bond.

The investigation stemmed from a cyber tip sent to MSP by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Further investigation led to the identification of Hartsell’s home. A search there yielded multiple internet capable devices and other evidence.

Hartsell has been charged with one count of aggravated child sexually abusive activity, one count of aggravated child sexually abusive activity – distributing or promoting, four counts of aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material, and six counts of using a computer to commit a crime.

If convicted, Hartsell faces up to 200 years in prison for the charged offenses, including 25 years for aggravated child sexually abusive activity, 15 years for aggravated child sexually abusive activity – distributing or promoting, 10 years for each count of aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material, and seven to 20 years in prison for each count of using a computer to commit a crime.