UnSilenced: Battle Creek Anti- Human Trafficking Coalition

12/18/2025

Trauma-informed spaces matter. Survivors deserve rooms that feel safer, quieter, and more human when they are asked to tell the hardest parts of their story.

This room is a step forward for Calhoun County. And progress—real progress—is always worth naming.

12/17/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Calhoun County Man Sentenced Following Conviction on Child Sexually Abusive Material Charges

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office is announcing the sentencing of Kevin Theodore Wilson, who was convicted in October on multiple felony counts related to the possession and aggravated possession of child s*xually abusive material.

On December 15, 2025, in Calhoun County Circuit Court, Judge Hallacy sentenced Wilson to the Michigan Department of Corrections as follows:

Counts 1, 2, 3, and 5: 10–15 years, with 62 days of credit.
Count 4 (Using a Computer to Commit a Crime): 28 months to 15 years, to be served consecutively to Count, meaning this sentence must be served before the remaining sentences begin.
Counts 1 and 4 are ordered to run consecutively.

In delivering the sentence, Judge Hallacy described the case as "a unique and distinct, disturbing, deviant, and perverted case" that stands out in his 40 years on the bench.

The conviction concludes a multi-year investigation that began in September 2019, when Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a residence on 27 Mile Road in Sheridan Township for a reported domestic dispute. During that investigation, deputies developed information indicating that Wilson was in possession of child s*xually abusive material.

A search warrant was executed at the residence, resulting in the seizure of several electronic devices belonging to Wilson. A forensic examination conducted by the Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit uncovered:

Approximately 215,000 flagged files of confirmed child s*xually abusive material, and
More than 300,000 additional images, consisting of diagrams and pictures indicative of potential CSAM.
Combined, the materials accounted for multiple terabytes of data. This is Wilson’s second conviction involving child s*xually abusive material.

This is Wilson’s second conviction involving child s*xually abusive material.

Following his arrest, Wilson mounted a series of legal challenges. In both 2021 and 2023, he contested the admissibility of digital evidence; however, the Michigan Court of Appeals and later the Michigan Supreme Court rejected his arguments, allowing the case to proceed to trial.

A two-day jury trial began on October 14, 2025. The jury deliberated for just 17 minutes before returning guilty verdicts on all counts. Wilson was convicted of:

Three counts of Possession of Child Sexually Abusive Material
One count of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime
One count of Aggravated Possession of Child Sexually Abusive Material
Habitual Offender, Second Offense Notice

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that crimes involving the exploitation of children remain among the agency’s highest priorities. Protecting children is a core mission of the Sheriff’s Office, and this case represents the persistence and dedication required to bring complex digital investigations to conclusion.

"This case shows the determination of our deputies, detectives, and partners who spent years ensuring the evidence was preserved and presented in court," stated Calhoun County Sheriff Steve Hinkley. "Child exploitation crimes leave lifelong scars, and we will continue to devote every resource necessary to hold offenders accountable and protect the most vulnerable members of our community."

The Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office also recognized the scope and seriousness of the investigation. "The Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office has attorneys specifically trained in child s*xually abusive material prosecutions as well as human trafficking, which, unfortunately, are many times inter-related." Stated Prosecuting Attorney David Gilbert. "The time and effort of the officers and detectives involved in this case made it possible for justice to be done."

The Sheriff’s Office also acknowledged the partnership of the Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit, whose forensic expertise was critical in analyzing the substantial volume of digital evidence.

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office remains firmly committed to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting individuals involved in the exploitation of children. The agency continues to encourage community members to report suspicious activity and remain vigilant in protecting vulnerable individuals.

12/12/2025

We want to recognize and thank the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Police, and all partnering agencies involved in this proactive child exploitation investigation.

Earlier this week, while speaking with Chief Chris from the Tribe, he emphasized the importance of taking a proactive—not reactive—approach to trafficking: getting ahead of the harm, acknowledging the reality of exploitation, and advocating for real solutions rather than denying its existence. This is exactly what that looks like in action.

When local, tribal, state, and federal partners collaborate across jurisdictions, prevention strengthens, accountability increases, and children are safer. From a survivor-led organization, we see how early intervention and coordinated efforts disrupt exploitation before it escalates.

We are grateful to work alongside agencies who choose awareness, collaboration, and prevention—and who are willing to lead by example.

Awareness saves lives. Collaboration protects them.

— UnSilenced 💙

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Targeted Child Exploitation Investigation Leads to Arrest

A two-week, targeted investigation into child exploitation led by the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in the arrest of Jeremy Clark, 35, of Battle Creek, who attempted to engage in s*xual activity with a minor.

This proactive, multi-agency operation was conducted with support from the Albion Department of Public Safety; Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Police; Michigan State Police – Southwest Enforcement Team; Marshall Police Department; Battle Creek Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Michigan Department of Corrections; and the Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority.

Throughout the investigation, the individual made repeated attempts to solicit a 14-year-old female, including requests to purchase underwear and view intimate parts of the child. At the conclusion of the enforcement period, detectives took the suspect into custody. He has been formally charged with the following felony offenses:

• Accosting a Child for Immoral Purposes
• Using a Computer or the Internet to Communicate with Another Person to Commit a Crime

“The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office remains steadfast in our mission to protect the most vulnerable among us,” said Sheriff Steve Hinkley. “I think this is a good opportunity for some self-reflection. If you’re chatting and intending to solicit our children for s*x, you need to know this - you're next! This is an ongoing reminder to parents: social media can be a dangerous place. Monitor and discuss online risks; trust but verify; and keep lines of communication open. Awareness and education are key to protecting our youth from those who wish to do them harm.”

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Detective Pignataro at the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office at 269-781-0880 or submit an anonymous tip through Silent Observer.

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office is committed to maintaining a safe community for the citizens, especially the children, of Calhoun County, and will continue its efforts to identify, investigate, and hold accountable individuals who seek to exploit minors.

12/06/2025

I want to take a minute to brag on this powerhouse standing beside me in this picture while meeting me in the messy parts with Michigan State Police. 💜

This is Danielle—she pours her heart into Zero Su***de work, serves on the VSU Team and LOSS Team, and still somehow has enough left to encourage, challenge, and teach me every time we’re in the same room. The way she weaves together clinical knowledge, lived stories from the field, and compassion for every person in crisis is a gift to all of us.

In the human trafficking world, we talk a lot about trauma, but we don’t always name what sits underneath it: suicidal thoughts, despair, and the belief that there is no way out. For many survivors, trafficking and suicidality sit side-by-side—and too often, both get overlooked.

Just like people avoid talking about the darkness of trafficking, we see the same thing with su***de:
• It feels scary.
• It feels heavy.
• It feels easier to look away.

Danielle refuses to look away—as do I. I’m incredibly grateful and honored to partner with her as we work to bring both of these topics out of the shadows—because you can’t truly talk about freedom and safety for survivors if you aren’t also talking about the moments they don’t want to keep living.

Proud to stand beside you, friend. We’re bringing it all into the light, together. 🌟

12/06/2025

Beyond the Badge with the Michigan State Police – Kalamazoo Post

Yesterday, UnSilenced had the honor of leading a mandatory human trafficking training for troopers and leadership at the Michigan State Police post in Kalamazoo.

This is more than “another training.” MSP is intentionally building a culture where:
• Trafficking isn’t minimized or misunderstood.
• Troopers know what to look for on I-94, at rest areas, truck stops, and roadside encounters.
• Survivor voices are at the center of the conversation.

From today’s evaluations:
• Every participant said the training clearly explained human trafficking.
• Everyone rated it Extremely Valuable or Valuable.
• Troopers reported feeling more empathetic, more informed, and better able to connect what they learned to what they see on shift.
• One wrote: “Very motivating talking to someone who has experienced trafficking first hand.”
• Another said: “All of it was eye opening… I’ve never gone through training for this subject.”

For a survivor-led ministry that once ran from patrol cars and now stands beside them, this partnership matters deeply. MSP has already called UnSilenced to scenes to help support potential victims before the paperwork is even finished. That is what systemic change beginning to move looks like.

To the Michigan State Police:
Thank you for your humility, honesty, and willingness to learn from survivors. You are helping build a Michigan where fewer people stay hidden in plain sight.

If your department, agency, or community group would like to host a Beyond the Badge training, reach out at:
📧 connect@bcunsilenced.org | robin@bcunsilenced.org
🌐 www.bcunsilenced.org | www.kaahtc.org

12/02/2025

When social work is done with heart, integrity, and real relationship, it stops being just a job. It becomes something that lives bigger than your own survival, your own story, your own pain.

You didn’t enter social work to clock in and out.
You entered because your life demanded meaning.
Because you carry stories others can’t hold alone.
Because what almost broke you became the very tool you now use to help others stand.

11/26/2025

If coffee can be bold and change moods, then trust me—UnSilenced can be bold and change communities.

Believe in it or not, this ministry keeps brewing hope, healing, and a whole lot of truth.
Be like coffee… but with purpose.

11/23/2025

When SANTA himself rolls up and says, “Hey… if you suspect human trafficking, CALL,” you know it’s real. 😂💯 Because listen — if the man who checks everybody’s list twice is sounding the alarm, we should probably listen.

From Battle Creek to Kalamazoo, survivors are rising, voices are getting louder, and even the North Pole is backing us up.

UnSilenced isn’t just a name — it’s a whole movement, and tonight Santa cosigned it.

11/22/2025

Posted with her permission, and she said it best:
“I’m me. Nothing to be ashamed of. Let my journey be a floodlight for someone stuck in the circle of addiction.”

From one survivor to another… today isn’t the end of anything — it’s the beginning of a brand-new chapter for both of us.

We’ve each walked through our own addictions, our own storms, and our own silent battles. This isn’t our first reset. We’ve done this before — but this time?
This time we’re doing it with new eyes, new grace, and a whole new fire in our bones.

Today, this brave Survivor right here stepped into rehab to chase a newness of sobriety that she deserves — body, mind, and soul.
And today, I’m starting my own reset too… logging my food with my eating-disorder therapist, dialing in my workout schedule, and choosing myself in the places where I’ve always poured out for everyone else.

Because here’s the truth:
We can’t pour from an empty cup — even when our ministry needs us, even when the world is loud, even when trauma tries to whisper old lies.

UnSilenced isn’t just a platform. It’s a ministry built by Survivors, for Survivors — people who speak the language, who carry the grit, who understand the humor, the fight, the sass, and the sacred parts that come with surviving what should have broken us.

Our differences? Our vibes? Our raw honesty?
That’s exactly what this world needs to break bias, dismantle discrimination, and make space for real healing.

Today, we’re doing this together — even miles apart — because healing doesn’t require being in the same room… it requires being on the same page.

So here we go.
Two Survivors. Two journeys. One God who isn’t finished with either of us.

Let this new chapter be loud, bright, honest, and holy — and let every step forward crack chains for someone else watching from the dark.

11/21/2025

They’re here!

Our UnSilenced beanies just arrived in time for this Saturday’s Battle Creek Christmas Parade — and we can’t wait to hit the streets in full ministry mode.

Massive shoutout to Adams Shirt Shack in Battle Creek, MI—I’m telling you, something hits different when a local business puts their hands on something that represent hope stitched into every thread.

Thank you to every partner, volunteer, and community member who keeps UnSilenced moving forward. When you see these hats coming down the parade route… know that your support makes this work possible. Battle Creek — we’ll see you Saturday.