Lansing, MI — A probationary officer with the Meridian Township Police Department has been fired after being charged with multiple counts of child pornography. Alexander Stachura, 38, of Williamston, was arrested earlier this month and faces six felony charges, including three counts of possession of child sexually abusive material and three counts of using a computer to commit a crime. Stachura’s termination came just days before he was scheduled for arraignment in 55th District Court in Mason.
According to online court records, the charges against Stachura date back to at least October 2022. If convicted, he could face up to four years in prison. The investigation into Stachura began after a member of the public contacted Michigan State Police (MSP) with information about potential criminal activity. This led to a search of Stachura’s home in Williamston, where authorities uncovered evidence related to the charges. MSP did not announce the charges publicly until Friday, causing some delay between the investigation and public disclosure.
Chief Rick Grillo of the Meridian Township Police Department confirmed the officer’s firing in a statement on Tuesday. “Following our standard protocol, Mr. Stachura was placed on paid administrative leave immediately upon learning of the investigation,” Grillo said. “His access to department materials, facilities, and equipment was revoked pending the outcome of the investigation.” Grillo added that Stachura, who had been employed with the department for less than a year, had not yet passed his probationary period. “There is no indication that any of the alleged conduct took place while Mr. Stachura was on duty,” the chief emphasized. Stachura’s bond has been set at $20,000, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 26. It is unclear whether the hearing will be rescheduled, but the upcoming court appearance will determine whether there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial in Ingham County Circuit Court. Stachura is the second local law enforcement officer to face child pornography charges in 2024. In June, Eaton County corrections deputy Ethan Eversman, 24, of Ionia, was arrested and later admitted to possessing, distributing, and manufacturing child pornography.
Eversman was charged with 14 crimes, including several counts of distributing child pornography, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The two arrests have raised concerns about the potential for misconduct within local law enforcement agencies and have prompted calls for increased scrutiny of officers’ backgrounds and ongoing conduct. In a statement, Michigan State Police said the investigation into Stachura remains active, but did not provide additional details about the nature of the evidence found during the search of his home. As of now, no attorney has been listed for Stachura, and he has not yet entered a plea.
The case is still developing, and further updates are expected as Stachura’s preliminary hearing approaches.
