Warren performing arts teacher charged with possessing child pornography and drugs
A Warren, Michigan, man who is a performing arts teacher is charged after authorities say searches of his home and cellphone uncovered child pornography and drugs.
According to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office, 37-year-old Mark Michael Sharrow was arraigned Wednesday on five counts of aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material, five counts of using computers to commit a crime, one count of possession of methamphetamine and one count of possession of schedule 5 and LSD.
Prosecutors say that on Tuesday, Aug. 18, authorities discovered explicit videos of minors, as well as methamphetamine and LSD, during the searches in connection with a separate case in Houghton Lake. In that case, Sharrow faces a third-degree criminal sexual conduct charge.
The search also led to Sharrow's arrest.
"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," stated Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
Sharrow received a $1 million cash/surety bond, no 10%. He must wear a GPS tether if released. He is also prohibited from using the internet or any device that has access to the internet, and is ordered to have no contact with minors or to not enter any locations where minors are commonly present.
Sharrow is listed on the Warren Consolidated School of Performing Arts website as supervisor of the school's costume shop. He also taught acting voice and movement, along with costume construction.
John Bernia, superintendent of Warren Community Schools, has, in the meantime, issued a statement to families about the investigation, confirming that a staff member was arrested and arraigned on criminal charges.
"At the time of the arrest, the employee was on administrative leave from the district. As always, we cooperate fully and work closely with law enforcement and the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office," Bernia said.
"I want to thank the young people who reported difficult information to members of our staff. It is never easy to bring forward serious information, and the bravery of these individuals is commendable. To our students, as your superintendent, your safety is my top priority. It is never acceptable for any of you to be made to feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Whenever an incident occurs, please report it to a trusted adult at school or at home. I assure you, we thoroughly investigate everything that is reported to us."
Sharrow is due back in court on Sept. 1 for a probable cause conference.
