New York man enticed Mich. teens into child pornography, court documents say
(WJBK) - A New York man is accused of producing child pornography and of enticing minor females to engage in sexually explicit conduct. A criminal complaint states that several of the victims live in Michigan.
Authorities say William Phillips contacted the minor females on a chatroom-based website, which they're not naming, that they say is primarily used by adult men looking to sexually exploit preteen and teenage girls.
Throughout their investigation, authorities say they've identified more than 50 minor victims who removed clothing and/or engaged in sexual activity for other users on the website. They say dozens more victims are still out there who haven't been identified yet. Six of the victims who have been identified, though, are said to live in Michigan.
On July 27, 2017 authorities raided Phillips's house in Highland, New York. They found Phillips in a bedroom with an active laptop on the floor next to the bed. Authorities say Phillips was logged onto the website and that multiple chatrooms were open.
Authorities found "numerous child pornography videos and images" on the laptop, and at least one video that depicted an adule male sexually assaulting a minor female.
Phillips has been charged with producing, attempting to produce and conspiracy to produce child pornography; conspiracy to receive child pornography; conspiracy to access with intent to view child pornography; coercion and enticement of a minor' participating in a child pornography enterprise.