Clune Sentenced for Clare County Crimes

Clare County Prosecutor release

Michael Richard Clune, of Houghton Lake, Michigan, pleaded guilty on April 27, 2021, to Criminal Sexual Conduct third Degree (Person 13-15), secnd or subsequent offense; Using a Computer to Commit a Crime; Accosting Children for Immoral Purposes; and habitual offender third offense. These convictions stemmed from a joint investigation between Clare City Police Department and the Michigan State Police, Mount Pleasant post. That thorough investigation led to crimes committed by this defendant against other children in Shiawassee and Roscommon counties. The Michigan Attorney General’s Office prosecuted the cases in Shiawassee and Roscommon counties and those cases have also concluded.

Clune was sentenced June 14 by Judge Mienk to serve 20 to 30 years; 12 to 20 years; and 5 to 8 years respectively with credit for 473 days already served. These sentences will run concurrently with one another and concurrently with his sentences from both Shiawassee and Roscommon counties. He was ordered to pay $1,114 in associated costs.

Prosecutor Ambrozaitis would like to recognize the Clare Police Department and the Michigan State Police for their joint work on this investigation. It was through their determination and diligence to identify the other victims from photos and videos found on the defendant’s phone that led to the additional charges and convictions in the other counties.

Prosecutor Ambrozaitis would also like to thank Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and her team for their coordination and cooperation in the efforts to prosecute this defendant. It was a team effort to ensure that this child predator would no longer be free to harm other children.

“This case should underscore the importance for all parents to become involved with their children’s online presence. Know who they are communicating with, limit their access to messaging platforms and social media. With the Internet, children are no longer safe at home unless their parents are diligent and establish appropriate boundaries and safety measures.”