CLARE COUNTY, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) — A Clare County man is facing eight charges after a multi-day online predator investigation by a nonprofit organization called Bikers Against Predators.
Richard Shank, 44, was arraigned on the following charges:
- Computers: Communicating with another to commit a crime
- Computers: Communicating with another to commit a crime
- Child sexually abusive activity
- Child sexually abusive activity
- Accosting children for immoral purposes
- Accosting children for immoral purposes
- Computers: Using a computer to commit a crime
- Computers: Using a computer to commit a crime
Shank was arrested March 7 at his home on East Long Lake Road in Harrison.
The investigation was initiated after members of Bikers Against Predators contacted the Clare County Sheriff’s Office.
Members of the group said they had been communicating with Shank, who believed he was chatting with two girls who were 12 and 13 years old.
During these communications, Shank allegedly requested that the decoys send nude images and attempted to arrange in-person meetings.
After Shank was confronted at his home by the Bikers Against Predators group, 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, according to the report.
Shank is being held on $20,000 cash bond.
