Grand Rapids man arrested for soliciting child pornography in Chippewa County

SAULT STE. MARIE — A Grand Rapids man is facing 10 felony charges after allegedly making arrangements to come to Chippewa County to have sex with a child.

The Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office said Dennis Belanger, 45, was soliciting child pornography to be sent to him by a child (self-pictures). A parent had found disturbing information on their 13-year-old child’s social media site and alerted police. Officer conducted on-line discussions with the man while conducing their investigation.

Belanger was arrested in Grand Rapids Thursday and was arraigned in Chippewa County District Court Monday.

Chippewa County Undersheriff Mike Bitnar released this statement:

“I would like to remind all parents that they should monitor their children’s social media sites in order to keep them safe. Not only do we have to monitor and protect our children from local sexual predators but we have to defend against the on-line predators that are willing to travel great distances.

It is our job as police officers to monitor these individuals as well as all parents, together can keep our children safe. I would like to remind everyone that they can got o Michigan’s Sex Offender registry and get to know the sex offenders in their area.”