Gaylord city council member Robert Wilson, 44, was arrested on Wednesday and is charged with accosting a minor for immoral purposes and using a computer to commit a crime, authorities say. He was arraigned yesterday in Otsego County’s 87-A District Court, where bond was set at $10,000 cash or surety. His next court date is scheduled for April 2. Wilson represents Ward 2 on the Gaylord City Council, and his current term runs through January 2027.
Investigation and charges
The Michigan State Police say troopers began investigating on March 14 after a report of communications between Wilson and two people posing as a 15-year-old. Investigators say those conversations were allegedly sexual in nature. According to the agency, the contact led to Wilson traveling to a local hotel, where troopers responded and gathered evidence that was then forwarded to the Otsego County Prosecutor’s Office.
According to CBS Detroit, Wilson was lodged at the Otsego County Jail after his arrest and was arraigned the following day.
City response
In a March 18 statement, the City Manager said the allegations had been referred to the Michigan State Police and asked residents for patience while the investigation proceeds. The statement outlines the procedural steps the council must follow: referral to a committee, a possible resignation, or a recall petition. It also notes that the governor can remove an official after a felony conviction.
The city’s release provides contact information for questions and guidance on the recall process. The full statement is available from the City of Gaylord.
Legal context
Michigan law defines accosting, enticing, or soliciting a child for immoral purposes under statute MCL 750.145a and separately prohibits using a computer or the internet to commit certain crimes against minors under MCL 750.145d. Both provisions can carry felony exposure, and prosecutors commonly add computer-use enhancements in online sting cases, which affects potential penalties and charging decisions.
For statutory text and official context, see the Michigan Compiled Laws and the Michigan Department of Education list of enumerated offenses for school-related implications.
What comes next
Wilson’s next scheduled court appearance is April 2, as the Otsego County Prosecutor reviews the troopers’ findings and determines whether to pursue formal charges. The Gaylord City Council approved the formation of a special ethics committee at its March 23 meeting to review the matter. Wilson was listed as absent from that meeting, as reported by CBS Detroit.
Residents in Ward 2 who want information on the council seat or recall rules can find contact details on the city’s Ward 2 page: Ward 2 - City of Gaylord.
