BESSEMER — A Wakefield man has been charged with three counts of aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material, according to Michigan State Police.

George Hilty, 41, was arraigned Thursday in the 98th District Court of Gogebic County, the MSP Computer Crimes Unit and the Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force states in a news release.

Hilty was arrested after an investigation initiated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the ICAC Task Force, when it was learned Hilty may have accessed and shared illicit content on the internet. A search of his residence resulted in digital evidence being seized, according to the news release.

The MSP stressed Hilty is considered innocent unless proven guilty.

The MSP Computer Crimes Unit encourages parents to speak to their children and family members about safe use of the internet. Many resources are available to assist in keeping children safe online. The NCMEC has a comprehensive list of resources on its website at https://www.missingkids.org. The Michigan ICAC Task Force provides resources at https://www.michigan.gov/ICAC.