Physician Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison For Possessing and Distributing Thousands of Images of Child Pornography

DETROIT - A physician from Capac, Michigan was sentenced yesterday to 15 years in federal prison after having pleaded guilty to distributing thousands of images of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.

Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge William J. Shink, United States Secret Service.

Robert Glapinski, 62, of Capac, Michigan was sentenced by United States District Judge Linda V. Parker in Detroit.

According to court records, on March 5, 2025, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cybertip from Google that a user had child pornography in a Google Chat. Some of the images included the sexual exploitation and abuse of prepubescent children. An investigation later revealed that the user was Robert Glapinski, a family medicine doctor who treated both adults and children. In chats, Glapinski talked about sexually abusing female children and sharing child pornography. On April 8, 2025, investigators from the United States Secret Service and Michigan State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force executed a federal search warrant at Glapinski's residence. Glapinski was present during the time of the search and admitted to viewing, receiving, and possessing child pornography. The examination of Glapinski's electronic items found over 2,500 images and more than 150 videos of child sexually abusive material.

"The sexual abuse of children is among the most heinous types of crimes imaginable. But when such a terrible crime is committed by a physician - a person who has taken an oath to do no harm - the punishment must be severe," said United States Attorney Gorgon.

Special Agent Shink stated, "This case highlights the effective partnership between the Secret Service, Michigan State Police and U.S. Attorney's Office, to combat the online exploitation of children, through investigating and prosecuting those who perpetuate the victimization of minors by receiving, possessing, and distributing such heinous material."

This case was investigated by special agents of the United States Secret Service and the Michigan State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tara Hindelang.