Mandatory Life Sentence

Monroe Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Child Sex Offender to Receive a Mandatory Life Sentence


April 8, 2010 - A Monroe man pleaded guilty on April 6, 2010 to a charge of sexual exploitation of a child, an offense that carries a mandatory life sentence given the man’s prior conviction for first degree criminal sexual conduct, United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced today. McQuade was joined in the announcement by Andrew G. Arena, FBI Special Agent in Charge for the Detroit field office.

James Frazee, 53, of Monroe, Michigan, entered the guilty plea in United States District Court before Judge David M. Lawson.

The information presented to the court at the time of the plea showed that Frazee used a minor under the age of 12 to take part in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing photographs of the minor victim. Frazee admitted that he distributed those images over the Internet to an individual outside of the state of Michigan. In addition, Frazee admitted that, from 2003 through 2007, he maintained a website with photographs of the victim in sexually inappropriate outfits.

Prior to the instant offense, Frazee was convicted in the 26th Judicial Circuit Court, Alpena County for criminal sexual conduct, first degree (person under 13).

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Frazee’s will receive a life term of imprisonment. Frazee also faces a fine and restitution to the minor victim. A sentencing hearing was set by Judge Lawson for 4:00 p.m. August 5, 2010.

U.S. Attorney McQuade noted that this prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. McQuade also praised the work of the agents of the FBI.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jeanine Jones and Louis Gabel.