Investigation after Wisconsin man’s arrest culminates with raid in Philippines, 3 human traffickers arrested & 6 children rescued
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(WFRV) – After the 2023 arrest of a southeastern Wisconsin man on multiple charges relating to child sexual abuse material (CSAM), an investigation into his connections to the Philippines led to the arrest of three human traffickers and the rescue of six children.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, 36-year-old Michael Westphal was arrested in July 2023 on charges that involve the alleged possession, sharing, and soliciting child sexual abuse material.
Westphal, who is from Newburg, was reportedly a custodian for the West Bend School District at the time of his arrest. However, the investigation did not conclude after Westphal’s arrest due to authorities being aware of Westphal’s alleged communication with a child sex trafficker in the Philippines.
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Authorities say that Westphal was allegedly sending the sex trafficker money in exchange for videos and pictures of a child being sexually assaulted. It was also noted in the release that Westphal believed the money was also covering the costs for the trafficker to adopt the victim.
Additionally, Westphal was reportedly planning a trip to the Philippines to meet the trafficker and victim in person.
A lead detective then began working with agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to identify the trafficker and victim.
Over the past eight months, HSI agents have been working closely with authorities from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on this case.
On March 25, the investigation culminated with a raid in the Philippines that resulted in the arrest of three human traffickers and the rescue of six children, ranging from ages 2-15. Among the children rescued was reportedly Westphal’s alleged victim.
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Those suspects will now face their charges in the Philippines, authorities say.
Victims of child sexual exploitation are amongst the most vulnerable among us and often need an advocate on their side to free them from their unspeakable horror. These children had advocates across the globe who came together under the common goal of setting them free while bringing the perpetrators who committed the heinous crimes to justice.
Washington County Sheriff Martin Schulteis
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office also thanked Homeland Security Investigations, as well as the PNP and the NBI in the Philippines for their efforts in this case.
Westphal currently remains in custody on a $500,000 cash bail at the Washington County Jail. Court records show that Westphal faces 24 Possession of Child Pornography charges and one charge of Trafficking of a Child.
Westphal’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 30 at 1:15 p.m.
No additional information was provided.
