A Warren man accused in an online child-exploitation investigation has waived his right to a preliminary exam, clearing the way for his case to move directly to circuit court. Prosecutors allege that Michael Cristini, 62, of Warren, possessed and shared child sexually abusive material on or around May 6, 2025. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Macomb County Circuit Court on March 9.
Charges and Next Steps
According to a press release from the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office, Cristini is charged with three counts of aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material, each a 10-year felony, and three counts of possession of child sexually abusive material, each a four-year felony. He also faces multiple counts of using a computer to commit a crime connected to those allegations. Prosecutors have filed a Habitual Offender Second Offense notice in the case, and the office said the alleged images were possessed and shared around May 6, 2025.
Waiver Moves Case to Circuit Court
As reported by CBS Detroit, Cristini chose to waive his preliminary exam in district court, which means a judge has now ordered the case to be bound over to circuit court, with arraignment set for March 9. Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said his office was ready to move forward and would pursue the case with a focus on accountability and protecting vulnerable victims.
Cristini was first arraigned in the 37th District Court in Warren on Aug. 1, 2025. Judge Steven Bieda set a $500,000 cash or surety bond and ordered that Cristini be placed on a GPS tether, barred from internet or computer access, prohibited from possessing weapons, and subject to random drug testing, according to reporting by ClickOnDetroit. Those restrictions have been in place as the case has worked its way through district court.
Legal Stakes Explained
Per the prosecutor's information, each aggravated-possession charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison, while each simple-possession count carries up to four years. The Habitual Offender Second Offense notice can increase Cristini's potential exposure at sentencing under Michigan's habitual-offender laws. Guidance from Michigan courts explains that second-offense enhancements may raise the statutory maximum and are applied by the judge at sentencing. Cristini, like all criminal defendants, is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court.
Cristini is due back in court for arraignment in Macomb County Circuit Court on March 9, when the judge is expected to set future dates and address issues such as counsel and pretrial conditions, according to CBS Detroit. Anyone who suspects child exploitation or has information that could assist investigators is urged to contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 or visit missingkids.org.
