James Walsh appeared Monday in the 26th Circuit Court in Alpena County for a status conference in a case involving allegations that he engaged in sexually oriented online conversations with someone posing as a 13-year-old girl.
Walsh, 33, faces charges of children – accosting for immoral purposes, computers – internet communication with another to commit a crime, and resisting and obstructing police. His next hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Nov. 2 in the 26th Circuit Court.
Investigation and arrest
According to a preliminary investigation, troopers were notified Aug. 8 that Walsh had been engaging in conversations of a sexual nature with the individual posing as a 13-year-old girl. The conversations reportedly began in May and continued until troopers were notified.
During the investigation, troopers located Walsh in a parking lot at an apartment complex. When they told him he was under arrest, he resisted, according to the information presented in the case. Walsh was ultimately arrested and lodged at the Alpena County Jail.
He was arraigned Aug. 11 in the 88th District Court in Alpena County and initially received a $25,000 cash or surety bond.
Release conditions
Walsh was released from jail after a stipulated order seeking a bond modification was submitted Sept. 30, according to Alpena County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Alyssa Miller. The order was an agreement between the prosecution and defense that was presented to the judge for approval.
The modified conditions require Walsh to wear a GPS tether, prohibit him from accessing the internet or using devices that connect to the internet, and prohibit contact with anyone younger than 18, according to Miller.
The conditions also require Walsh to participate in services through Northeast Michigan Community Mental Health Authority, report changes in behavior, take prescribed medications and follow all previous bond conditions.
What happened in court
Walsh attended Monday’s hearing in person. His defense attorney, Alfred Brandy, updated Judge Ed Black on the status of the case, and the court set the next hearing date.
The charges remain allegations. The scheduled Nov. 2 hearing is the next court proceeding identified in the supplied report.