HARRISON, Mich. (WNEM) – A sergeant with the Clare County Sheriff’s Office arrested Richard Todd Shank, 44, at his residence, 11940 E. Long Lake Road, on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at about 10:31 a.m., following a multi-day online predator investigation.
The investigation was initiated after the nonprofit organization Bikers Against Predators contacted the sheriff’s office. The group had been communicating with Shank online for several days prior to the arrest. During this time, Shank had been communicating with two decoys he believed to be 12- and 13-year-old girls.
During these communications, Shank allegedly requested that the decoys send nude images of their private parts and attempted to arrange in-person meetings to engage in sexual intercourse with minors.
After Shank was confronted at his residence by members of Bikers Against Predators, law enforcement was contacted. A sergeant with the Clare County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene, made contact with Shank and conducted a formal interview. Based on the interview and evidence gathered through the investigation, Shank was placed under arrest.
Shank was lodged in the Clare County Jail on numerous felony charges. He was arraigned in the 80th District Court, where his bond was set at $20,000 cash or surety.
The charges include:
- Two counts — Computers: Communicating with Another to Commit a Crime
- Two counts — Child Sexually Abusive Activity
- Two counts — Accosting Children for Immoral Purposes
- Two counts — Computers: Using a Computer to Commit a Crime
According to the Clare County Sheriff’s Office, the case remains under investigation. Additional charges may be forthcoming.
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