New Boston man pleads guilty to attempting to blackmail child

DETROIT - Michael David Bulanda, 37, of New Boston, Michigan, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. Sentencing is scheduled for September 22, 2026. Bulanda faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, and a possible sentence of life imprisonment.

U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit field office.

In December 2025, the FBI Philadelphia office arrested a man for the production of child pornography. The FBI found a chat where Bulanda sent a nude image of MV-1 to that man asking him to blackmail MV-1 to obtain "more nudes." Bulanda provided the man with personal information about MV-1 to facilitate the blackmail, including information about MV-1's siblings and friends. The man and Bulanda discussed posting the minor's picture on a public forum to make her "feel fear," as a tactic that has worked in the past to break "many stubborn" girls.

"This pervert tried to blackmail a child by making her 'feel fear' so that he could abuse her even more. Now, he will feel justice," U.S. Attorney Gorgon said.

"Using fear, manipulation, and blackmail to exploit a child is among the most reprehensible crimes we investigate. This guilty plea ensures this predator will be held accountable," said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. "I am especially grateful for the outstanding work of our Southeast Michigan Trafficking and Exploitation Crimes task force (SEMTEC), whose dedication was instrumental in securing this guilty plea, in addition to the support provided by the FBI Philadelphia Field Office during this investigation."

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Zurek