Federal charges of child exploitation have been filed against 32-year-old Ryan Stevenson of Lansing, MI, who was arrested in August 2014, following an investigation by Beacon Investigative Solutions.
Stevenson has been indicted by a federal Grand Jury and he remains incarcerated, pending trial in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan. He has been charged with (1) Coercion and Enticement; (2) Receipt of Child Pornography; and (3) Possession of Child Pornography.
“On behalf of our clients, I want to express our deep and sincere gratitude to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI for immediately recognizing the threat posed by this child predator, and moving as efficiently as possible to bring him to justice,” said Mike Orchard, President and CEO of Beacon. “The fast response and diligent coordination by federal law enforcement in this case led to the safe return of our client’s daughter. Our clients could not be happier with the outcome.”
Beacon was retained by the parents of one of Stevenson’s victims in July 2014. An intensive investigation was conducted with a focus on computer forensics and surveillance. Beacon’s investigators also conducted an in-depth background investigation that yielded compelling evidence regarding Stevenson’s online and business activities.
Extensive research revealed Stevenson had been attempting to solicit underage girls on the Internet during the past 10 years. In comments posted online under various aliases, Stevenson referred to himself as a “sexslavetrainer,” “sex addict,” “perv” and “crazypsychorapist” and made explicit statements regarding sexual activities with underage girls.
Stevenson owns a Lansing company that sells Taser weapons, and he also established an adult-services company, Masters Empire Inc., which purportedly “specializes in erotic arts and photography in Michigan and nationwide.”
Upon completion of a comprehensive 200-page investigative report, Beacon contacted the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, and briefed the Assistant U.S. Attorney on the findings. Beacon also coordinated directly with Special Agents of the FBI. A search warrant was executed, and the subject was promptly arrested.
Under federal sentencing guidelines, if convicted, Stevenson faces a mandatory minimum of at least 15 years.
About Beacon: Beacon Investigative Solutions is a full-service private investigation firm licensed in more than 40 states and Washington, D.C. Beacon conducts criminal, civil and financial investigations for private, corporate, government and legal clients. To discuss a potential investigation, please contact our corporate offices at 800-535-2136. You can also contact President Mike Orchard at morchard@beaconinvestigation.com.
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