Three men are facing human trafficking charges after a sting operation in Chippewa County last week.
The Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office says Aaron Nowicki, Benjamin Simpkin and Micah Rickerd were discussing sexual acts with who they thought were underage teenagers online. Instead, the three men were chatting with officers who were setting up meetings with the men.
The three were arrested individually as they showed up to a Sault Ste. Marie hotel.
Nowicki was a priest in the Diocese of Marquette. He was removed from the ministry in 2019 for allegations of sexual misconduct, which was reported to the Michigan Attorney General.
All of three face three charges of child sexually abusive activity, accosting a minor for immoral purposes and using a computer to commit a crime.
They all were given a $100,000 bond with a tether, and they cannot be in contact with minors, or use a cell phone or computer.
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