SAGINAW SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON FOR DISTRIBUTING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

BAY CITY – Ayden Burge, 22, of Saginaw was sentenced on yesterday to over 17 years (210 months) in federal prison for distributing child pornography, Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck announced today.

Beck was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Detroit Field Office.

United States District Court Judge Thomas L. Ludington imposed sentence on Burge following his guilty plea to distribution of child pornography. Judge Ludington also sentenced Burge to 5 years of federal supervised release following his release from incarceration.

In 2023, the Michigan State Police – Huron Undercover Narcotics Team was conducting a narcotics investigation which resulted in Burge’s arrest.  During the arrest, the police seized his electronic devices. The Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit forensically analyzed Burge’s devices and discovered conversations on the instant messaging app Kik on which Burge discussed his desire to sexually assault minor children and distributed child sexually abusive material. Police also found several images and videos of other child sexually abusive material.

“Distributing child pornography victimizes the most innocent and vulnerable members of our community - children,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Beck. “A critical mission for our office is to protect children from those predators who would harm them,” said Acting US. Attorney Beck.  “A lengthy sentence can help protect the community generally and children more specifically.”

"The prison sentence given to Ayden Burge, a convicted sex offender, is a significant victory in our ongoing fight against sexual predators who exploit children," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. "This sentence ensures that Burge will not be able to harm any more innocent children for a long time. I am deeply grateful for the tireless efforts of our FBI Detroit Bay City Resident Agency, the Michigan State Police (MSP) Huron Undercover Narcotics Team, and the MSP Computer Crimes Unit. Their unwavering dedication to protecting our most vulnerable citizens and preventing further victimization has been invaluable. I also want to sincerely thank the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan for their crucial role in holding Mr. Burge fully accountable for his heinous actions."

This case was investigated by the Michigan State Police, the Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit, and the FBI.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katharine Hemann.