A Macomb County man is facing a slew of charges including child pornography possession and animal torture, authorities say. 37-year-old Robert Gregory Hagberg II was slapped with three counts of aggravated possession of child sexually abusive materials and three counts of using a computer to commit a crime — which carry potential 10-year prison sentences — and one count for animal torture, which could land him behind bars for four more years, as reported by CBS Detroit.
The charges came after an investigation triggered by a tip-off to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Michigan State Police discovered numerous files on Hagberg's computer that allegedly contained child sexually abusive materials, and videos of the man sexually abusing a dog, reportedly in his Warren residence, according to information obtained by FOX 2 Detroit.
Hagberg was Arraigned on February 20 at the 37th Warren District Court, where Judge Steve Bieda set a stiff $250,000 cash bond and prohibited any contact with children or animals, should he make bail, ClickOnDetroit reports. During a recent court appearance yesterday for a probable cause conference, Judge Michael Chupa denied a request to lower Hagberg's bond. The hearing has been scheduled to continue on April 2.
In statements expressing strong determination to fight such crimes, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said, "We will protect children from harm and ensure that those who exploit and harm them face the full consequences of their actions." He acknowledged the efforts of The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and the extensive work of Michigan State Police in the case, adding, "It is my duty to seek justice for those who have been wronged, especially when it involves vulnerable children, and animals," according to statements submitted to CBS Detroit and FOX 2 Detroit.
