A Detroit police officer is facing serious charges after allegedly sending inappropriate texts to a 13-year-old girl. Officer Earl Raynard Anderson Jr. has been charged with accosting a child for immoral purposes, a felony carrying a maximum sentence of four years.
Sending inappropriate texts to a minor in Michigan can be charged as a felony and may be considered child pornography, resulting in significant penalties.
Authorities in Warren say Anderson sent the messages to the young girl, who is the daughter of his girlfriend. He was arraigned in Warren District Court, where the judge set his bond at $200,000 cash or surety. If released, he is prohibited from contacting minors, the victim, or using the internet.
“These allegations are concerning. Troubling to be exact. Because the alleged crime occurred in the city of Warren, the Warren Police Department has taken the lead on the investigation,” in a statement from Detroit police. “Pursuant to DPD’s policy, our Internal Affairs Unit is conducting a parallel administrative investigation.”
Anderson’s next court date is March 18 for probable cause, according to Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido.
“The safety and well-being of our children is our top priority,” Lucido said. “We should be able to trust police officers to protect our children, not prey on them. These charges reflect our commitment to holding offenders accountable, no matter their position, and ensuring justice for the most vulnerable members of our community.”
The Detroit Police Department has suspended Anderson and filed paperwork to remove him from the payroll while the case proceeds.
