MELVINDALE (WWJ) A Downriver man found himself in the middle of an undercover bust during a meet-up with the child he was talking to online, or so he thought, State Police said.
Dereck Paluchniak, 26, of Melvindale, has been arrested and charged with child sexually abusive activity, accosting a minor for immoral purposes, and using a computer to commit a crime.
State Police said the investigation began when Paluchniak started talking to an undercover detective posing as a child on the internet. Further evidence revealed the suspect traveled from the Downriver area to an area about six miles south of Saginaw to engage in sexual acts with the “child.” When he tried to meet up with the "child," the undercover detective greeted him instead and took him into custody.
The MSP Computer Crimes Unit urges parents to talk to their children about the safe use of the internet. The United States Department of Justice said parents should discuss and implement a safety plan, supervise young kids online, review their activity, adjust privacy settings, and use parental controls. Parents should also urge children to confide in an adult if anyone asks them to engage in inappropriate behavior or makes them uncomfortable.
Potential signs of abuse include changes in habits with electronic devices, a child's attempt to hide their online activity, anxiety, and depression, according to the Justice Department. See the complete list of recommendations here.
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