DETROIT – A federal jury today convicted a Lansing, Michigan man on multiple charges relating to the production and receipt of child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Saima Mohsin. 

Mohsin was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Vance Callendar, Homeland Security Investigations.

Convicted was Michael McShan, 28.  The 5-day trial, which began on Thursday, October 28, was conducted before United States District Judge David M. Lawson in Detroit.  The jury deliberated approximately an hour before returning the guilty verdicts. 

According to evidence presented during the trial, in December 2018, McShan met a minor female (MV-1) on a social media site called “MeetMe,” and then began communicating with MV-1 via Snapchat, cellphone calls and text messages.  McShan quickly began an abusive and sexual relationship with MV-1.   McShan enticed and persuaded MV-1 to produce images and videos of herself and another minor female victim (MV-2) engaging in sexually explicit conduct.  Over the course of a few months, McShan, became increasingly controlling over MV-1. McShan coerced and enticed MV-1 through flattery, threats, and guilt to manipulate MV-1 into continuing to send him sexually explicit photos and videos as well as money.

Evidence further showed that in an attempt to get released on bond pending his trial, McShan directed his then-girlfriend, Madison, (AV-1) to write a false confession to the child exploitation crimes.

McShan was convicted of production of child pornography; attempted production of child pornography;  receipt of child pornography; coercion and enticement of a minor, and obstruction of justice.  McShan faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.  A sentencing date has been set for March 1, 2022.

“Protecting children from dangerous child predators is a top priority for our office,” said Acting United States Attorney Mohsin. “I commend our law enforcement partners for their hard work and dedication to investigating and prosecuting crimes against children.”

“Even though schools do a great job educating our children about online safety, this case serves as an example of how manipulative child predators can be; please mind your child’s online activities,” said HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Vance Callender.  “My special agents did an outstanding job investigating and preparing for trial on this case. I commend their efforts for the sake of the victims here.”

The case was investigated by special agents of Homeland Security Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maggie Smith and Sara Woodward.