Local Man Faces Charges After Online Sting Involving Teen Identity

A 61‑year‑old resident of Bloomfield Township has been charged with sexual solicitation of a minor and computer‑based fraud. The case began when a Kent County Sheriff’s detective, as part of an undercover operation, pretended to be a 14‑year‑old girl on the internet. She was contacted by the suspect, who introduced himself as a 51‑year‑old married man named Tom Jones. The detective confirmed her age and asked if it mattered, to which the suspect replied negatively. The conversation quickly turned sexual. The detective and the suspect exchanged photographs of themselves, a step that raised alarms for law enforcement. Bloomfield Township Police discovered the deception when the detective revealed her true identity and identified the suspect’s real name. The suspect continued messaging the undercover account until mid‑October.The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office issued a warrant on April 24, charging the man with two counts of sexual solicitation and one count of computer‑based fraud. He was arraigned in Bloomfield Hills on Thursday, where a judge set his bond at $50, 000. The suspect paid a 10% deposit of $5, 000 to secure his release. A probable‑cause hearing is scheduled for May 11, followed by a preliminary examination on May 18. The case highlights the risks of online predators and the importance of undercover investigations in protecting minors.