A Harrison Township man is in jail, facing 20 felony counts related to alleged child sex abuse, authorities said.
Robert Fitz Sr., 48, was arraigned Monday on 10 counts of using computers to commit a crime, plus five counts each of aggravated child sexually abusive activity and aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material.
“Children are precious and deserve to grow up free from exploitation, abuse, and fear,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido in a statement. “The allegations in this case are profoundly disturbing.”
Fitz pleaded not guilty, according to online court records. The offenses are alleged to have taken place in August 2023, records show.
Magistrate Ryan Zemke in Mount Clemens’ 41B District Court set Fitz’s bond at $500,000, which had not been posted as of Tuesday, according to online Macomb County Jail records.
Online court records do not list an attorney for Fitz.
The counts against him are cumulatively punishable by 325 years in prison, if he’s convicted. Lucido said Fitz is being charged as a second-notice habitual offender, which could make his sentence more severe.
A preliminary hearing is slated for 8:30 a.m. Monday, June 8.
mreinhart@detroitnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Harrison Township man charged in 20 counts related to child sex abuse
Reporting by Max Reinhart, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
