Traverse City business owner charged in child porn case after police seize 8,000 images

July 16, 2026 - 18:56

A Traverse City business owner is facing multiple felony charges after authorities allegedly discovered thousands of child sexual abuse images on his devices. Jason Wayne Redman, 55, was arrested Wednesday at his place of business following a months-long investigation.

According to court records, police seized over 8,000 images and videos depicting child pornography from Redman's electronic devices. The investigation began after a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children flagged suspicious online activity linked to Redman's accounts.

Redman owns a local business in Traverse City, though authorities have not disclosed the name of the company. He was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held at the Grand Traverse County Jail. His bond has been set at $500,000.

Prosecutors have charged Redman with multiple counts of possessing and distributing child sexually abusive material. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison on each count. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for next week.

The case has sent shockwaves through the small northern Michigan community, where Redman was known as a local entrepreneur. Neighbors and customers expressed disbelief at the allegations, with many saying they had no indication of any illegal activity.

Police are continuing to analyze the seized devices for additional evidence. They urge anyone with further information to contact the Traverse City Police Department.