CEDAR SPRINGS, Mich. —
Cedar Springs Public Schools maintenance worker Mark Labelle was in court Wednesday after authorities said he had over 100 sexually explicit photos of children on his laptop.
In late August, the Kent County Sheriff’s Department was alerted to a complaint of obscenity, according to documents obtained by 13 ON YOUR SIDE.
Authorities said Labelle's wife observed child sexually abusive material on her husband’s phone and reported it.
During an interview, authorities allege Labelle admitted to having a pornography addiction and consented to forensic examinations of his electronic devices.
While authorities were not able to find child sexually abusive material on Labelle’s phone, on his laptop detectives found over 100 images of child sexually abusive material.
Some of those images were known child pornography by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Labelle was charged with Child Sexually Abusive Material – Aggravated Possession, which is a felony with a sentence of up to 10 years and/or $50,000. If convicted, he would have to register as a sex offender.
He was also charged with using a computer to commit a crime, which is also a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or $10,000.
When setting the bond, the judge considered the seriousness of Labelle’s charges.
“The risk factors include that these two charges are most serious felony charges. It involves allegations involving images of children [...] The defendant's been living at his residence for less than a year. He's not employed at this point in time, the court is concerned regarding potential risk of flight and also safety of our community and safety of children in general.”
His bond was set at $50,000 cash/surety.
The school district said in a statement that while Labelle was employed there he did not work directly with students, and they have no indication that any Cedar Springs students were involved.
They said they were notified of the investigation back in August, and immediately placed Labelle on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Also in the statement, Cedar Springs Public Schools said:
“The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. Prior to employment, all applicants are vetted through a rigorous process of background checks and reviews. Continuous training and attention to student safety and well-being is an ongoing focus in our district.
If you are a victim or become aware of suspicious activity, a sexual crime or a threat of violence against an individual or community, contact local law enforcement or call 9-1-1. Non-emergency tips can be submitted in the following ways:
Call: 8-555-OK2SAY, (855-565-2729)
Text: 652729 (OK2SAY)”
Labelle will be back in court next month.