Metro Detroit Teacher Caught With Child Porn On Cellphone: Prosecutor

WARREN, MI — A Warren schools teacher is facing nearly a dozen felonies after investigators found sexually explicit videos involving minors on his phone, according to prosecutors.

Mark Michael Sharrow, 37, of Warren, was charged with the following:

• Five counts of child sexually abusive material—aggravated possession, each a 10-year felony.
• Five counts of using a computer to commit a crime, each carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years.
• One count of possession of methamphetamine, a 10-year felony.
• One count of possession of a Schedule 5 controlled substance and LSD, a one-year misdemeanor.

He was placed in jail with a $1 million bond. His next court date is scheduled for Sept. 1.

If released, Sharrow must wear a GPS tether and is prohibited from using the internet or any device that can access it. He would also be barred from contact with minors and from entering locations where minors commonly congregate.

On Tuesday, officers arrested Sharrow in connection with a third-degree criminal sexual conduct charge out of Houghton Lake, according to prosecutors.

While executing a search warrant, prosecutors said investigators found sexually explicit videos of minors on his phone.

Investigators also found methamphetamine and LSD inside his home, according to prosecutors.

"Child sexually abusive material is not simply illegal content—it is evidence of the abuse and exploitation of a real child. Those who seek out, possess, or distribute this material help perpetuate that harm. We will aggressively pursue those who prey on children and use every available legal tool to hold them accountable," Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said.

Sharrow is a teacher at the Warren Consolidated School of Performing Arts.

Warren Consolidated Schools Superintendent John Bernia acknowledged the arrest and told families that "safety remains (the district's) top priority."

"I want to thank the young people who reported difficult information to members of our staff," Bernia said. "It is never easy to bring forward serious information, and the bravery of these individuals is commendable."

Bernia said Sharrow was placed on administrative leave, adding the district will fully cooperate with investigators.