Following a month-long investigation, officers of Monroe County’s Violent Internet Predator Exploitation Response (VIPER) Team arrested 58-year-old German citizen Silvio Berge on Tuesday for allegedly attempting to solicit children for sexual activity online. CBS Detroit reported that Berge, who resides in Newport, Michigan, and is living in the U.S. on a visa, was arraigned two days later on Wednesday in Monroe County's First District Court. He faces charges of accosting children for immoral purposes and using internet communication to commit a crime.
According to WTOL, Berge’s bond is currently set at $200,000. As part of the investigation, VIPER detectives, performing as minors, were targeted and groomed for sexual activity online by the suspect. Berge was formally arrested on Tuesday, and the Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office has since authorized a two-county felony warrant against him.
“The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting the community from online predators and holding offenders accountable,” as reported by CBS Detroit. Furthermore, the U.S. Border Patrol has been brought into the case to further investigate Berge’s immigration status. The implications of his visa status and the potential for additional federal charges are currently being assessed.
13abc reported that, in arresting Berge, the detectives of the VIPER team undertook roles of minors, seeking to expose the disturbing practice of online solicitation for sexual activities by potential predators.
