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Press Release

Kent County Man Indicted For Sex Trafficking Of A Child

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Michigan

          GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Mark Totten announced that Terrence Clay, age 39, of Kent County, has been indicted in federal court for sex trafficking and attempted sex trafficking of a child, sexual exploitation of a child, and distribution of child pornography.   

          “These sexual exploitation and child pornography allegations are extremely disturbing and very serious,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “My office is committed to protecting our children as our youngest and most vulnerable citizens.” 

          Clay was previously charged in state court for related offenses including human trafficking, child sexually abusive activity, two counts of using a computer to commit a crime, and two counts of possession of child sexually abusive material. Clay’s state charges were dismissed due to his federal prosecution.

          This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan; county prosecutor’s offices; HSI; Michigan State Police’s Internet Crimes Against Children task force; the West Michigan Based Child Exploitation Task Force (WEBCHEX); and federal, state, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. Anyone with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement. For more information about Project Safe Childhood in West Michigan, including resources for children and parents, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/project-safe-childhood.

          The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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Please note: A copy of the indictment is attached. Click here.

Updated May 10, 2023

Topic
Project Safe Neighborhoods