Michael Robert Erskine, Child Pornography and Failing to Register as a Sex Offender, Alabama 2015

A notorious sex offender has been brought to justice in Alabama after a string of horrific crimes. Michael Robert Erskine, a repeat offender, was sentenced to 180 months imprisonment for receipt of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. Section 2252A(a)(2) and failure to register as a sex offender in violation of 18 U.S.C. Section 2250(a).

Erskine’s sordid past is riddled with sex crimes. In 1995, he was convicted in Hampton, Virginia of Aggravated Sexual Battery on an eight-year-old victim. As a result of this conviction, he was required to register as a sex offender. However, his attempt to travel to the Philippines without prior approval on December 22, 2014 by the Saraland Police Department exposed his sinister plans.

The Saraland Police Department referred the case to the United States Marshals Service for investigation of a federal charge of failure to register as a sex offender. The case was also referred to Homeland Security Investigations because images of child pornography were found on his computer. This marked the beginning of a long and arduous process to bring Erskine to justice.

At the sentencing hearing before Judge Kristi Dubose, the United States played portions of defendant’s taped statement admitting that he used the images in order to satisfy his urges for children. This disturbing admission served as a grim reminder of the gravity of Erskine’s crimes.

Erskine’s prior conviction and the continuing danger that he posed to the community weighed heavily on the minds of the court. The severity of his crimes and the risk he posed to innocent lives led to a life sentence of supervised release in addition to 180 months imprisonment.

The case was investigated by the Saraland Police Department, United States Marshals Service, and the Department of Homeland Security. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama, AUSA Maria Murphy.

Erskine, 64, was given a second chance to reform, but his actions have shown that he poses a significant threat to the community. As the people of Alabama demand justice, the court has ensured that Erskine will face the full force of the law.

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