By: Debbie Campbell, THE VILLAGE REPORTER
HILLSDALE, MI – Patrick Pastula, 64 of Hillsdale was arraigned in 2B District Court on four counts related to child pornography.
Pastula is a former Hillsdale High School English teacher and track coach. He was arrested on January 8 and is being charged with three felony counts of aggravated child sexually abusive activity – distributing or promoting, and one felony count of aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material.
According to a Michigan State Police news release, The Michigan State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force arrested Pastula after an investigation into online sharing of child sexually abusive material led them to his Hillsdale home. A search warrant was executed, and police seized multiple internet capable devices and other evidence, police said.
If convicted, Pastula faces up to 85 years in prison for the four charges. 25 years for each charge of aggravated child sexually abusive activity – distributing or promoting and up to 10 years for the charge of aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material.
Pastula was issued and posted bond of $130,000. Under the conditions of the bond release, Pastula must remain in the county and can not possess any computers, including cell phones, in his home.
Pastula is tentatively scheduled to appear back in the 2B District Court within the next three weeks for preliminary hearings.
Debbie can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com