Two-Time 'Survivor' Star Michael Skupin Guilty on Child Porn Charges
It was a shock to "Survivor" fans when Michael Skupin was arrested on child pornography charges, and now reports confirm that he was found guilty on four of six counts.
Skupin was first a contestant on "Survivor: The Australian Outback" Season 2, back in 2001, when the then 38-year-old was dramatically evacuated after falling into a fire. He returned for "Survivor: Philippines" in 2012 and made it to the finals, where he tied with "The Facts of Life" star Lisa Whelchel as runner-up.
Skupin was arrested in February and pleaded not guilty to 11 charges of child pornography and racketeering. A spokesperson for the Michigan Oakland County Clerk told People that, after a one-day trial, Skupin was found guilty Friday of four of six counts of child pornography and he'll be tried separately for the racketeering charges next week. After that, he'll be sentenced.
These charges came about by way of a completely different investigation, after a woman alleged that she was part of a gifting scheme involving Skupin. While investigating Skupin's computer, law enforcement allegedly discovered child porn. "The children in these videos and images were exploited, and each time the images were shared and viewed continued their suffering," Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said in a statement, via People. "My hope is that today's conviction will bring some closure to the families and the children that are victims in this case."
Skupin, father of seven, has maintained his innocence.
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