Former 'Survivor' Contestant, Michigan Native Michael Skupin Arraigned On Child Porn, Racketeering Charges

CLARKSTON (WWJ) -- Fifteen years ago, Michael Skupin was one of the more popular contestants on the then-new hit show Survivor.

He's now making headlines for a different reason.

Skupin is facing six counts of possession of child sexual abusive materials after investigators say they found images of underage children in sexual situations while searching his computer during a Ponzi scheme dragnet.

He also faces five counts of larceny by conversion and one count of racketeering.

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."

"Not only did this man rob people of their hard-earned savings with his financial scams, but he victimized innocent children every time he looked at a piece of child pornography," Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said. "This man seems to have no concept or caring for right and wrong and will be prosecuted under the full extent of the law for these horrific crimes."

Bond was set Friday at $350,000. If Skupin is released, he can't see his kids or leave the state, and will be required to wear a GPS tether.

Skupin's next court date will be on Feb. 19. If convicted, he could spend more than 25 years in prison.