GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A Caledonia man was arrested and charged after federal attorneys said he sexually exploited four children.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan (DOJ) says Scott Michael Elam, 41, filmed himself engaging in sexual activity with a minor on two separate occasions and told the other three victims to send him explicit images of themselves .

Elam was charged with seven counts of child sexual exploitation, according to the Department of Justice

“We are committed to protecting children from sexual exploitation and holding offenders accountable,” says U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “I thank the Kent County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI for their investigative work as we prepare to present our case.”

Elam faces 15 to 30 years in prison if convicted.

“The Kent County Sheriff’s Office is committed to continuing the fight against child exploitation through our federal partnerships,” says Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young. “Furthermore, this research provides a reminder to our communities to have courageous conversations with their children about the dangers posed by social media.”

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