Brandon Lee Chase, a 45-year-old resident of Walkerville, Michigan, has been sentenced to 90 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Andrew Birge.
Court documents reveal that Chase sexually abused the child of a woman he was dating over several years and recorded explicit videos of the abuse. He is also facing pending sentencing in Shelby Village after pleading no contest to criminal sexual conduct in another case.
Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan, commented on the sentencing: “Today’s sentencing of Brandon Chase is a decisive victory in the FBI’s unyielding battle against sexual predators who prey on our most vulnerable population.” Gibson acknowledged the efforts of the FBI’s WEBCHEX Task Force and law enforcement partners from Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office and Muskegon Justice for Women Task Force. He also expressed gratitude towards the U.S. Attorney's Office for their role in holding Chase accountable.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, Muskegon Township Police Department, and Muskegon Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Doaa Al-Howaishy prosecuted the case.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative aimed at protecting children from online exploitation and abuse. It involves collaboration between various law enforcement bodies to apprehend individuals exploiting children and educating communities about online dangers. More information about this initiative can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.