Task Force arrests metro Detroit man on sex trafficking, sexual exploitation of children, and child pornography charges

DETROIT - A 30-year-old man from metro Detroit was taken into custody last week after a criminal complaint was filed in federal court charging him with sex trafficking of a minor, sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.

Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Field Division and Chief Eric Luke, Sumpter Township Police Department.

Charged was Bryce Silas Patterson. Patterson appeared in federal court this afternoon and was ordered detained by a magistrate judge. A preliminary examination was set for April 2.

According to the criminal complaint, agents with the Southeast Michigan Trafficking and Exploitation Crimes (SEMTEC) Task Force conducted an undercover operation to recover a minor who was believed to be the victim of sex trafficking. Information gathered by the agents revealed that Patterson posted advertisements for commercial sex, which included photos of minor girls, on a commonly used website. In addition to posting the ads, Patterson would arrange for the transportation of the minor on sex dates and collect payments from the minor victims. A search of Patterson's cellular device revealed images and a video which contained child sexual abusive material, which Patterson had created depicting one of the minor victims he trafficked. SEMTEC Agents were assisted by Sumpter Township Police in arresting him last week.

"These alleged crimes are disgusting. SEMTEC is designed to hunt down sex traffickers who try to sell our children. And we are honored to do this good work with our federal, state, and local partners," said U.S. Attorney Gorgon.

"The allegations in this case are as disturbing as they are unacceptable. Child exploitation is a predatory crime that targets the most vulnerable in our society, and it will not be tolerated," said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. "Let me be clear: those who exploit children will be found, and they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. This case reflects the strength of our partnerships-through the SEMTEC Task Force, the Sumpter Township Police Department, and our federal partners-working together to protect victims and hold offenders accountable. The FBI will remain relentless in pursuing these criminals and ensuring survivors have the support they need to rebuild their lives."

Chief Luke stated, "The Sumpter Township Police Department extends its sincere appreciation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their dedicated efforts and professionalism in successfully identifying and apprehending Patterson, a resident of Sumpter Township, for the alleged crimes stated in the complaint. The commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and pursuing justice has a direct and meaningful impact on the safety and well-being of our residents. We remain steadfast in our shared mission to safeguard our community from those who seek to do harm."

A criminal complaint is only a charge and contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Sumpter Township Police Department. Anyone with information about this case or who may be a victim is asked to call the FBI at (313) 965-2323.