In a significant development in a disturbing case involving child sexually abusive materials, 29-year-old Anthony Daniel Rendon of Saginaw formally entered a guilty plea today in Judge Trice’s courtroom. With his attorney, Alan Crawford, by his side, Rendon pleaded guilty to two felony charges of “Child Sexually Abusive Act – Aggravated Distribution or Promotion” under Michigan law, bringing to a close one of two pending criminal cases against him.
Rendon’s plea comes as part of a negotiated agreement with prosecutors. In exchange for his guilty pleas to the two aggravated distribution charges, the prosecution has agreed to drop six other serious felony counts. Those charges, which will be formally dismissed at sentencing, include multiple counts of possession of aggravated child sexually abusive material and using a computer to commit crimes with maximum penalties ranging from 10 years to life.
Charges to be dismissed upon sentencing include:
- Child Sexually Abusive Activity – MCL 750.145c(2) – Felony
- Using a Computer to Commit a Crime (Max 20 years or life) – MCL 752.797(3)(f) – Felony
- Aggravated Possession of Child Sexually Abusive Material – MCL 750.145c(4)(a)(i) – Felony
- Using a Computer to Commit a Crime (Max 10–20 years) – MCL 752.797(3)(e) – Felony
- Aggravated Possession of Child Sexually Abusive Material (Duplicate Charge) – Felony
- Using a Computer to Commit a Crime (Duplicate Charge) – Felony
As part of his plea agreement, Rendon will be placed on Michigan’s Sex Offender Registry (SORA) as a Tier 2 offender for a period of 25 years. Tier 2 classification typically covers offenses involving the distribution of sexually abusive material or the use of digital platforms to promote such content, especially when minors are involved.
Judge Trice confirmed that the court would adhere to the Cobbs agreement, a form of sentencing agreement recognized in Michigan that gives the defendant an understanding of their sentence prior to accepting a plea. Under this agreement, Rendon’s sentence will be capped at 36 months (three years) in prison. However, the official sentencing guidelines present a variable range — from as low as 12–24 months up to 29–57 months, depending on factors such as prior criminal history, severity of the offense, and other legal considerations.
Rendon’s sentencing has been scheduled for July 7, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., at which time the court will also dismiss his second, separate pending case as stipulated in the plea deal.
The case has drawn attention due to the nature of the charges and the presence of aggravating factors, including the promotion and distribution of abusive materials rather than simple possession. Prosecutors emphasized the harm inflicted not only on the victims involved in the original materials but also the continued trauma perpetuated by the dissemination of such content.
No statements were issued in court today by Rendon or his defense counsel beyond the formal entering of the plea. The courtroom remained subdued throughout the proceeding, and no victim impact statements were delivered at this stage. However, victim advocacy groups have expressed concern over plea deals in such cases, emphasizing the importance of ensuring justice while also avoiding retraumatization of victims through lengthy trials.
Once sentenced, Rendon will begin serving his prison term and be subject to mandatory sex offender registration requirements, including regular reporting, restricted access to certain employment and residency opportunities, and digital monitoring for a portion of the registration period.
The Saginaw County Prosecutor’s Office has not released further comment at this time, but sources indicate that law enforcement is continuing to investigate potential digital networks associated with the materials in this case. Officials continue to urge the public to report any suspicious online activity involving minors to the Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
The resolution of the case marks a grim chapter in local law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation in all its forms, highlighting both the capabilities of digital forensics and the complex nature of prosecuting crimes involving technology and vulnerable victims.
