Former 'Survivor' Contestant Faces Trial In Oakland County For Child Porn

PONTIAC (WWJ) - A trial got underway Thursday in Oakland County Circuit Court for a former "Survivor" reality TV show contestant accused of possessing child porn.

According to the Michigan Attorney General's Office, Michael Skupin of Milford, Michigan, was charged with six counts of possession of child sexually abusive material after investigators say they found images of underage children in sexual situations while searching his computer during a Ponzi scheme dragnet.

Court officials told WWJ's Mike Campbell they were  hoping to get a jury seated along with opening statements and a witness or two done on Thursday and then resume the trial on Friday.  Judge Wendy Potts will be hearing the case.

Separately, Skupin is expected to face trial on larceny and racketeering charges related to the alleged Ponzi scheme next week.

Victims of the caper say it was a typical pyramid scheme with those at the bottom of the pyramid losing their $10,000 investment. Skupin, 54, called the scheme "Pay it Forward."

Skupin became a local celebrity after his appearance on "Survivor: Australian Outback" in 2001. He was the first-ever medical evacuation on the series due to severe burns received after passing out into a fire on day 17. He was then brought back in 2012 for the show's 25th season in the Philippines and tied for second place.

If convicted, Skupin could spend more than 25 years in prison.