Jenison Man Sentenced To 30 Years In Prison For Producing Child Pornography

          GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Michael John Batt, age 36, of Jenison, Michigan, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for creating and distributing pornographic images of a three-year-old child he abused. In imposing the maximum permitted sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Janet T. Neff emphasized the “abhorrent” nature of Batt’s offense, as well as his “extensive collection” of child sexual abuse material. Batt will be on supervised release for 10 years when he gets out of prison, and was also ordered to pay $19,000 in restitution to victims depicted in his child pornography stockpile and over $15,000 in special assessments.

          “It is difficult to imagine a crime more heinous than the sexual abuse of a child,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “These are among the most sensitive and serious cases my office takes, and we will continue to prioritize finding and prosecuting child sexual predators.”

          Batt was caught after creating child pornography and sending five pornographic images to an undercover police officer. Leading up to his sentencing, Batt admitted the “egregious” nature of his conduct and that his victims would “never fully heal.” Batt also acknowledged his role in “increas[ing] the demand for child pornography with further and future victimization of children.”

          “Our community is safer with this predator behind bars,” said HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar. “We will continue to prioritize the safety and security of children by investigating online sexual offenses involving minors and working with our partners to hold offenders accountable for the severe harm they cause.”

          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; ICAC; 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.

          This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Michigan State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Castle.

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