Fenton Township Man Arraigned for Sending Lewd Photos to Student

Detectives from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office arraigned a private security guard from Fenton Township on Thursday for sending sexually explicit photos to a high school student, according to Sheriff's officials. 

Benjamin Thomas Lawrence, a 23-year-old Fenton Township resident, is accused of sending a photo of his genitals from his cell phone to a 15-year-old female student at Stoney Creek High School.

According to the department, DM Burr Security Services employed the guard, who was contracted to provide in-school security for the Rochester Community Schools district. The guard was assigned to Stoney Creek High School. 

The case was presented to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office and they issued a one-count warrant for Distributing Sexually Explicit, Visual or Verbal Matter to Children, a two-year felony. An additional charge of criminal sexual conduct second degree, a 15-year felony is being authorized by the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office 

Lawrence was arraigned Thursday in front of Magistrate Nicholas Camargo of the 52-3 District Court in Rochester Hills. He was given a $25,000 personal bond. The Magistrate ordered him not to return to the any property of the Rochester Community School District. In addition, he is not to have any contact with the victim. It also was ordered he have no unsupervised contact with any minor. He has no prior criminal history. He is scheduled for an exam in front of Judge Nancy Carniak on Jan. 14, 2014 at 1:15 p.m. 

“Whether it is a failed D.C. politician or a security guard, this behavior is disgusting and obviously, in this case, criminal," Sheriff Michael Bouchard said in a statement. "People are responsible for their actions and will be held accountable. If anyone else received similar things from this person, please contact us.” 

"We recognize that the allegations brought against this individual are extremely serious," Rochester Community Schools Superintendent Robert Shaner said in a statement Thursday to district parents. "Please be assured that we will continue to work in partnership with families and law enforcement to ensure a safe, healthy, school environment for all students."

Sheriff’s Detectives believe that there are other victims and are asking anyone with information to call the Sheriff’s Office at (248) 858-4911.