The Wayland Police Department has arrested a Wayland man on six counts of taking and possessing child sex abuse photos.
Wayland department responded to a complainant residence in July, when a woman reported an incident involving her 10-year-old child who used the restroom at the Dollar General Store, 125 West Superior St. The child said she noticed a cell phone propped up facing toward the toilet area of the restroom.
“Upon further investigation that phone was found to have recorded the child using the restroom, and belonged to a store employee, Timothy Keckler,” said Police Chief Mark Garnsey.
Keckler turned the phone over to Wayland Police, who subsequently searched his residence on Pine Street after obtaining a search warrant. Several electronic devices were seized as well and Child Protective Services was apprised of the investigation and proceeded to initiate their investigation.
“Based on that information, other witnesses were interviewed to determine if there were more victims,” Garnsey said. “The devices were sent to the Michigan State Police crime lab for forensic examination. Numerous images of child sexually abusive material were located on the cell phone.”
Further investigation identified the juveniles through databases and examination of the images by a physician took place in order to ascertain approximate ages. There were approximately 250-300 images located.
Based on the investigation to this point, there is no evidence of actual physical abuse or assault on any child or adult victims.
Keckler turned himself in Jan. 17 on a six-count warrant.The Allegan County Prosecutor’s Office has authorized the following charges:
• Two counts – Child sexually abusive activity, aggravated.
• Two counts – Computer use to commit a crime, maximum penalty of 20 years to life.
• One count – Capturing/distributing the image of an unclothed person.
• One count – Computers used to commit a crime, maximum four years but less than 10 years.
What a sick dog!