MUNISING, MI— A Kingsford man will spend up to 20 years in prison for trying to have sex with a minor he met online.
The Alger County Sheriff’s Office says Matthew Cooley was arrested on March 10, 2023, as the result of an undercover operation conducted by deputies. It targeted online predators who intended to commit sexual acts with a minor.
Cooley responded to officers conducting the operation and traveled from Kingsford to Munising to have sex with a minor child. He was arrested when he arrived at a predetermined location.
Cooley was charged with child abusive communication activity, using a computer to commit a crime, and possession of meth. On August 27 he pleaded no contest to the first two charges. He was subsequently sentenced in 11th Circuit Court to serve 2 to 20 years in prison.
The Alger County Sheriff's Office says it has conducted several such operations with much success, but Matthew Cooley was the first subject that was issued a prison sentence as a result of the operation.
