By Brian C. Louwers
C & G Staff Writer

WARREN — A Warren man’s preliminary examination on state-level Internet pornography charges was adjourned on Aug. 19 amid speculation that he might be facing a federal case for his alleged activities in cyberspace that reportedly targeted infants and toddlers.

Joshua Andrew Dorothy, 20, remained jailed on a $250,000 bond at press time following an appearance before Judge Jennifer Faunce in the 37th District Court, where he is charged with one count of using the Internet to commit a crime and two counts of sexually abusive activity and distribution. 

Both charges are seven-year felonies.

According to Capt. John Roberts of the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, investigators with Sheriff Mark Hackel’s Macomb Area Computer Enforcement unit were alerted to Dorothy’s alleged activities by federal investigators. Dorothy was arrested without incident on Aug. 6 at his home on Sunset, near Eight Mile and Ryan.

“We received information from the FBI, who we work with together on cases, regarding information from another state that led back to this area,” Roberts said. “It was turned over to MACE investigators. We made the determination that it was Mr. Dorothy that was involved.”               

Roberts said investigators had information that Dorothy was allegedly posting messages in Internet chat areas, where he allegedly expressed an interest in infants and toddlers.

“He was looking for access to them and pictures that others would have, or information that others would have regarding sexual contact,” Roberts said. “He was distributing or gathering photos of sexual activity involving very young children.”

Roberts said a forensic investigation into a computer and materials seized at Dorothy’s home continued at press time. 

Federal investigators were also considering charges, according to defense attorney Kevin Smith, who citied the ongoing investigation as the reason for the prosecutor’s request to adjourn the case.

Smith declined to comment on the specifics of the allegations against his client when reached by phone on Aug. 19.

Dorothy was scheduled to be back in court for a preliminary examination on Aug. 26.

You can reach Staff Writer Brian C. Louwers at brianlouwers@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1089.