MONROE — A German citizen residing in Newport, Mich., was arraigned Wednesday on sex-related charges.

Silvio Berge, 58, who was arrested Tuesday, was arraigned in the 1st District Court on felony charges of accosting children for immoral purposes and internet communication with another to commit a crime, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said.

The charges resulted from a monthlong investigation by detectives posing as minors online, “where they were groomed and solicited for sexual activity,” according to a news release.

Mr. Berge was ordered held in the Monroe County jail on a $200,000 bond pending his next court appearance.

The accused is in the country on a visa, according to the news release. The type of the visa was not specified.

Border Patrol has been contacted to further investigate his immigration status, the news release said.

First Published March 19, 2025, 7:51 p.m.