A 47-year-old Independence Township man accused of having tens of thousands of child pornography images — including some involving animals — was arraigned Thursday on six felony charges.
Benjamin Guy Weeks is charged with three counts each of aggravated child sexually abusive activity and using a computer to commit a crime. He could face decades in prison if convicted.
At arraignment in 52-2 District Court, Weeks’ bond was set at $100,000 with no 10% provision.
As part of what’s described as “an extensive investigation,” law enforcement confiscated approximately 35 hard drives, multiple thumb drives, CDs and computer devices from Weeks’ home in the 5000 block of Lakewood Boulevard and his place of employment — filled with tens of thousands of files showing child sexual abuse including bestiality, officials said.
It’s believed Weeks was attempting to create a computer server to manage and share the files, according to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office.
“This is an absolutely reprehensible crime, and we have zero tolerance for offenses that exploit and endanger children,” said Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard. “We are committed to working closely with prosecutors to ensure the perpetrator is held fully accountable and justice is served for the victims. Our dedicated investigators have worked relentlessly to bring this case forward, and I commend their expertise and unwavering efforts in pursuing justice.”
Weeks’ court file shows the alleged crimes dating back to May 2023. Jeff Wattrick, spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office, told The Oakland Press that the case wasn’t turned over to the Oakland County prosecutor until this month and that the prosecutor’s office “moved quickly to file charges and authorize an arrest.”
Weeks was taken into custody Wednesday morning and booked into the Oakland County Jail.
Officials reported earlier that Weeks is a Clarkston resident but it’s since been determined he lives just outside the village limits.
Weeks’ next court appearance is scheduled for April 3 for a probable cause conference. A preliminary exam is scheduled for a week later where the judge will be presented with evidence and determine if the case should be bound over to Oakland County Circuit Court for possible trial.
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