6/26/2025

GOGEBIC COUNTY - A Bessemer man is facing a total of 16 felony charges for allegedly possessing and distributing child pornography.  Yesterday, Gogebic County Prosecutor Nick Jacobs announced that 24-year-old Asher John Carlisle, has been arraigned in Gogebic County on the charges.  Law enforcement received information that Carlisle was involved with texting and using Snapchat to solicit minor children from outside the area, sharing nude pictures and videos in an effort to encourage sexual acts with the minors.  Carlisle’s probation agent seized three of Carlisle’s cell phones in April. Jacobs issued a separate search warrant to preserve and search his Snapchat account. The phones and Snapchat were then analyzed and investigated by the MSP Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in Marquette in May.  Police said the investigation of the phones revealed more than 4,000 nude images and chats with minors, which resulted in the 16 felony charges.  Four counts of accosting, enticing or soliciting children under the age of 16 for immoral purposes, nine counts of child sexually abusive activity, three counts of using a computer to commit a crime one victim as young as 8.  At the time of Carlisle’s arrest last week, he was on probation for a 2024 conviction of committing fourth degree criminal sexual conduct. A probable cause conference has been scheduled for June 30 followed by a preliminary examination on July 7.