Sentencing For Redford Man In Online Sex Abuse Case
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Federal prosecutors are seeking a life sentence for a Redford man who went online to persuade mothers to sexually abuse their children.
The government says seven mothers sexually assaulted 12 children at the direction of Steven Demink, an ex-car salesman from Redford Township. He returns to federal court Wednesday for sentencing, five months after pleading guilty to charges related to sexual exploitation.
Authorities say Demink used the name Dalton St. Clair and posed as a therapist on various websites to meet single mothers. Authorities say he connected with mothers in New Hampshire, Idaho and Florida, and coerced and enticed them to engage in sexual acts with their children and send images via e-mail or through a live web stream. The children ranged in age from 3 to 15, according to court documents.
In a filing last week, prosecutors said the "destruction left in Demink's path is immeasurable." The government says the mothers are being prosecuted or already have been convicted in their home states.
This past February, Demink pled guilty in federal court to six charges of child pornography. Seven additional charges were dropped as part of plea agreement.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
