A Canton resident pleaded guilty on April 7 to charges involving the sexual exploitation of a minor and transporting child pornography, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.
The case is significant as it highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address crimes involving the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
Shariq Alam, age 48, entered his guilty plea before United States District Judge Linda V. Parker in Detroit. The announcement was made jointly by Gorgon and Jared Murphey, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations-Detroit.
Court records show that in February 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation received information from local law enforcement about communications between Alam and another individual regarding the sexual abuse of a minor. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Alam’s residence where officers discovered evidence including a cell phone holder, external camera light attached to a nightstand facing a bed, sex toys and paraphernalia, as well as several flash drives. Examination of two flash drives revealed multiple videos containing child pornography—including videos created by Alam featuring an identified minor victim. Authorities also determined that Alam uploaded child pornography files to his Google Drive account.
Alam is scheduled for sentencing on August 12, 2026. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years in federal prison.
Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation into this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Ann Nee and Sean King are prosecuting.
