Former Police Officer Pleads Guilty To Child Porn Charges

FARMINGTON HILLS (WWJ) - A 20-year veteran of the Farmington Hills Police Department has pleaded guilty to three felony charges related to the downloading of child pornography.

Matthew Parsons, 48, pleaded guilty Wednesday to pleaded guilty to possession of child sexually abusive material, using a computer to commit a crime, and recording an unclothed person. As a part of his plea, he must register as a sex offender for 15 years.

Parsons resigned from the Farmington Hills Police Department on June 15. His felony plea also ensures that he will no longer be able to work as a law enforcement officer in the state of Michigan.

The investigation into Parsons began after the state Attorney General's office received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an individual had been downloading child sexually abusive material.

The investigation revealed that Parsons had downloaded at least 10 videos of child sexually abusive material, according to Attorney General Bill Scheutte. Parsons also surreptitiously filmed an adult in the nude, Scheutte said.

"While this man did not physically molest a child, he victimized them over and over every time he downloaded and shared child pornography, and as a father both acts are equally heartbreaking," Schuette said in a statement. "I consider it to be one of my most important responsibilities to secure justice for Michigan's most vulnerable."

Investigators say none of the acts were committed using city property or while Parsons was on duty as a police officer.

Parsons is due back in court for sentencing on August 17.