Convicted Curtis Child Predator Sentenced For Sexually Exploiting Child
Friday, November 22, 2024, 10:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
MARQUETTE, MI.- On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, U.S. Attorney Mark Totten reported that Kelton Salowitz, 19, of Curtis, Michigan, appeared in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan and was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison, to be followed by ten years of supervised release for his previously entered guilty pleas to sexually exploiting a 12-year-old child.
Salowitz previously pleaded guilty to repeatedly asking a 12-year-old girl who was residing in another state to send him sexually explicit digital images and video files. Salowitz communicated with the child on his smartphone through the social media platform application Discord.
Salowitz Preys On Preteens
During a court-authorized search of Salowitz’s cell phone, investigators uncovered a recorded live-stream video in which the child performed explicit sexual acts at the instruction of Salowitz. In addition, Salowitz requested but did not receive, similar content from a second 12-year-old child. During the forensic examination, investigators recovered a collection of child pornography, including digital images and video files containing prepubescent and pubescent children being sexually assaulted by adult men.
“We cannot undo the harm that Mr. Salowitz inflicted on children, but today’s sentence is a measure of justice for the victims and an important step to protect the community,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “This case is also a reminder of the dangers that lurk online. Without sufficient guardrails, smartphones can give criminals across the United States and around the world access to our children, even inside the safety of their homes. Educate your kids, monitor their online activity, and let them know they can also talk to you if they mess up.”
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
