GRAND RAPIDS, MI— A South Carolina man has been sentenced in federal court for sexually exploiting Michigan children.
Christopher Masterson, 35, of Myrtle Beach was given 30 years in the Bureau of Prisons Monday. He was accused of grooming a minor Chippewa County victim, ultimately convincing her to send live video footage of sexual acts involving herself and her sibling via social media.
Masterson was arrested after traveling from South Carolina to Chippewa County to engage in sexual conduct with the victim. When law enforcement seized his phone, they found sexually explicit videos of the victim with Masterson directing her activities.
While imposing sentence, U.S. District Judge Janet T. Neff noted that Masterson was one of the top two or three most egregious sex offenders she had sentenced.
The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Sault Ste. Marie Tribal Police, Michigan State Police, the Chippewa County Sheriff's Office, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Department, and U.S. Border Patrol.
