Authorities say an Ann Arbor pediatric urologist is now at the center of a child sex abuse materials investigation after digital devices seized from his home turned up suspected illegal content. Dr. Bryan Shanley Sack was arrested and arraigned this week on multiple felony counts in Ann Arbor's 15th District Court, following an investigation that began with a cyber tip routed to a national hotline. Investigators say the probe remains active and that, so far, they have found no evidence the alleged child sexually abusive material is connected to his clinical work.
What prosecutors say he’s accused of
Prosecutors have charged Sack with six felonies, including two counts of aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material, one count of possession of child sexually abusive material and three counts of using a computer to commit a crime, according to WTVG/13ABC. Court records and news reports state that investigators allege he possessed or accessed more than 100 images. He was arraigned on Feb. 21, entered a not guilty plea and was given a $75,000 bond.
How investigators say the case unfolded
Officials say the case started when a cyber tip was routed through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and then sent to the Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit and the state Internet Crimes Against Children task force. Detectives obtained a search warrant for Sack's home and seized digital evidence, authorities told Click on Detroit. Michigan State Police officials have urged parents to keep a close eye on kids' online activity and say the investigation is ongoing.
Institutions cut ties and his academic role
Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where Sack worked in its Toledo pediatric urology program for roughly 18 months, said it ended his employment after being notified by investigators. “We are deeply shocked and concerned by this situation,” the hospital said in a statement reported by WTVG/13ABC. Separately, University of Michigan records list Sack as a clinical associate professor of urology in a 2024 faculty promotions notice from the medical school.
Court calendar and possible penalties
Prosecutors allege the offenses date to last Friday, and Sack's next court hearing is scheduled as a probable cause conference on March 5, according to court records cited by Yahoo News. If a judge decides there is enough evidence to bind the case over, it would move to Washtenaw County Circuit Court. State law allows for maximum sentences of up to 10 years for aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material, up to four years for possession and up to 15 years for using a computer to commit a crime, per reporting by FOX 2 Detroit. Court filings list Sack's lawyer as retained counsel, and records show he remains free on bond while the investigation continues.
Resources for parents and the community
Michigan's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the Michigan State Police encourage families to talk openly about what kids do online, check privacy settings regularly and report any suspicious contacts or images. The state ICAC website offers local resources and guidance on digital parenting. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children operates the CyberTipline for reporting suspected child sexual exploitation and provides information and support for victims and caregivers. Local authorities say anyone with information about potential exploitation should contact law enforcement or submit a tip through those channels.
What comes next
Investigators say they have not identified any victims who were patients of Sack's. Forensic examiners are continuing to review the seized devices as the case moves through the courts. If prosecutors secure a bindover, the case will proceed in circuit court, where any conviction would bring statutory penalties and likely additional post-conviction reporting requirements. For now, Sack has pleaded not guilty, the investigation remains active and officials are urging anyone with relevant information to contact local law enforcement or the CyberTipline.
