‘Seekers of underage sex, beware,’ says Huron County sheriff after two men’s arrests

Huron County Sheriff's badge

Huron County Sheriff's badge

CASEVILLE TWP, MI — A sex trafficking sting involving law enforcement from four counties has resulted in two men being arrested in Huron County, one of whom is already a registered sex offender.

On Wednesday, Aug. 17, members of the Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team, or GHOST, assisted sheriff’s deputies from Huron, Tuscola, and Sanilac counties in arresting Dennis M. Bales, 66 or Port Huron, and Dale Ignash, 70 of Filion. The arrests occurred in Caseville Township.

Both Bales and Ignash visited prostitution websites, Huron County Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson said.

“The suspects would literally ‘shop’ these sites, then reach out believing they were communicating and arranging a meeting with an underage sex participant;” Hanson said.

In reality, the men were communicating with police. When they arrived at the undisclosed location in Caseville Township, young deputy decoys appeared to “satisfy suspicions and curiosities of the suspects,” the sheriff said.

Bales and Ignash admitted to wanting to have sex with an underage male, the sheriff continued. Police seized several pieces of evidence, such as cellphones, cash, and vehicles. Police also detained a 68-year-old Lexington man who was an acquaintance of Bales but released him with possible charges forthcoming.

Bales and Ignash have since appeared in Huron County District Court for arraignment and face the same three charges — child sexually abusive activity, using a computer to commit a crime, and accosting children for immoral purposes. Bales remains in custody on a $200,000 bond, while Ignash has been released on a bond of $10,000 or 10%.

Bales is already sex offender, having been convicted of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct in St. Clair County in January 2009.

“Fortunately, this incident did not involve actual teens forcibly being human trafficked for sex,” Hanson said. “However, all tri-county residents are asked to be on the lookout for this type of activity and report it to their Sheriff’s Office or local police. Potential victims, do not delay in making that call.”

The sheriff added plans for another sting operation are underway.

“Seekers of underage sex, beware,” Hanson said.

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