Three Men Arrested in Grand Traverse County Child Sex Abuse Investigation

Grand Traverse County law-enforcement agencies announced mid-January arrests in an investigation that originated from an operation conducted Dec. 3 and continued into January 2026. Two men — a 38-year-old Traverse City resident and a 73-year-old man from Karlin — were arrested earlier, and a third man, a 65-year-old from Mesick, was arrested Jan. 12. All three face charges including child sexually abusive activity, accosting a minor for immoral purposes and related counts. The suspects have pleaded not guilty and court dates are pending.

The sheriff’s office release described the case as stemming from a coordinated investigation by county authorities. Officials asked anyone with information or anyone who may be a victim to contact the sheriff’s tip lines or use the online reporting portal. Law enforcement emphasized continued investigative work as they prepare for prosecution and any additional follow-up arrests or charges.

This case has immediate local implications. Allegations of child sexual abuse touch families across neighborhoods from Traverse City to the smaller communities of Karlin and Mesick, and they raise questions about prevention, reporting and access to trauma-informed services in our region. Survivors of sexual abuse often face long-term physical and mental health consequences, and community health systems — including emergency departments, primary care, and behavioral health providers — play a central role in early intervention and recovery. Public health agencies and local nonprofits will need capacity to respond if more victims come forward.

The arrests also highlight the need for clear paths to report suspected abuse and for victim support services that are accessible to all residents, including seniors, people with disabilities, and BIPOC and low-income families who may face barriers to care. County-level planning and coordination among law enforcement, schools, health providers and social services are critical to ensuring reports are investigated and survivors receive forensic exams, counseling and legal assistance without delay.

For Grand Traverse County residents, the most immediate actions are to follow official guidance from the sheriff’s office: report any information that could assist the investigation and look out for signs of abuse among children and vulnerable adults. Community leaders and service providers should review whether local resources are sufficient and accessible, and whether additional funding or training is needed to support trauma-informed response.

As the case moves toward court, the county will be watching how investigators and prosecutors handle evidence and victim protection. For families and caregivers in the Cherry Capital area, the arrests mark a painful reminder of ongoing risks and the importance of community vigilance and compassionate support for survivors as the legal process proceeds.