Man arraigned in court on child pornography charges
CHIPPEWA COUNTY — One man was arraigned in 91st District Court Friday on 20 different charges, including possession of child sexually abusive material and using a computer to commit a crime.
On January 27th, 2017, the Canada Border Services Agency encountered Jason Harry Bishop, a U.S. citizen, as he was attempting to make entry into Canada through the Sault Ste. Marie Port of Entry. An inspection by the CBSA led to the discovery of Bishop’s criminal record in the United States for numerous sex offense involving minors.
A search of Bishop’s cell phone revealed images of child pornography. The Sault Ste. Marie Police responded to the port of entry and placed Bishop under arrest for possession of child pornography.
During his interview, Bishop stated to Canadian authorities that his sexual preference was young boys of 13 or 14 years of age and that his intentions were to relocated to Canada. The Michigan State Police Sault Ste. Marie Post notified the Department of Homeland Security of Bishop’s arrest and subsequent prosecution in Canada.
The Chippewa County Prosecutor’s Office authorized a 20-count complaint charging Bishop with 10 counts of possession of child sexually abusive material and 10 counts of using a computer to commit a crime. The complaint, issued on November 21st, 2017, noted Bishop as a fourth offense habitual offender.
On February 15th, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations of Sault Ste. Marie executed a state arrest warrant upon Bishop in an effort to detain him upon his deportation from Canada. U.S. Attorney’s Office – Western District of Michigan has accepted this case for prosecution and will assess appropriate federal charges upon the submission of the child pornography to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Bishop was arraigned by 91st District Magistrate Elizabeth Chambers Friday afternoon. Bishop is being held on a $500,000 cash only bond.
Bishop is scheduled to appear for a probable cause hearing on March 1st.