Caledonia Man Indicted On Charges Of Sexual Abuse Of Multiple Children

Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 8:45 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

GRAND RAPIDS, MI.- On Thursday, November 7, 2024, a Federal Grand Jury for the District of Michigan returned an indictment against Scott Michael Elam, 41, of Caledonia, Michigan, charging Elam with seven counts of Sexually Exploiting a Minor.

     U.S. Attorney Mark Totten reported that Friday, Elam was taken into custody following the unsealing of the indictment. According to reports, Elam was arraigned in Kent County Superior Court and was detained.

     According to the charging information unsealed in the indictment, Elam is charged with the sexual exploitation of four different minors. The charging information alleges that Elam video-recorded himself having sexual intercourse with one of the minor victims on two different occasions. Elam then instructed the other victims to take sexually explicit images and videos of themselves and then send them to him.

     “We are committed to protecting children from sexual exploitation and holding offenders accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “I am grateful to the Kent County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI for their investigative work as we prepare to make our case.”

     “The indictment of Scott Elam underscores the FBI’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and holding predators accountable,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The alleged sexual exploitation of four minors by Mr. Elam is appalling, and such behavior will not be tolerated. I am deeply grateful for the relentless of our dedicated team in Michigan, including the West Michigan-based Child Exploitation Task Force and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office. Together, we will ensure that those who prey on our most vulnerable are brought to justice and that our communities remain safe from these heinous threats.”

     “The Kent County Sheriff’s Office is committed to continuing the fight against the exploitation of children through our federal partnerships,” said Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young. “Furthermore, this investigation prompts a reminder to our communities to have courageous conversations with your children about the dangers of social media presents.”

     If convicted at trial, Elam faces a minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in federal prison on each count unsealed in the indictment. A U.S. district court judge would determine the actual term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the offenses and Elam’s prior criminal history.

“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”