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A man has been arrested following an investigation into child sexual predators in the Marquette area.
Michigan State Police investigators say the 41-year-old man struck up a relationship with what he thought was an underage girl on social media, exchanged numerous messages, and eventually arranged to meet in person to have sex.
The social media account was actually run by a state trooper.
On September 7, a female trooper acted as a decoy, while other detectives followed Royce Hagemeister from his apartment to meet with her near Marquette High School. He was arrested as he approached her.
Hagemeister was arraigned yesterday in 96th District Court, and faces charges of accosting a child for immoral purposes, child sexually abusive activity, and two counts of using a computer to commit a crime. Officials stress that those charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Detectives are asking anyone with information about additional victims who might have encountered Hagemeister, or other potential predators in the region, to contact the State Police.
