Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com


A Howell man charged with possessing child pornography is heading to trial.

39-year-old Thomas Flanders is charged with three counts of child sexually abusive material – aggravated possession, and two counts of using a computer to commit a crime. His case was bound over to Livingston County Circuit Court following a hearing on Tuesday. Future court dates are pending.

Flanders was arrested following an investigation that began after a tip was received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Police said a search of Flanders residence in Howell resulted in digital evidence being seized.

The Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation.

Aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Using a computer to commit a crime is punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison.