Sheriff's Deputy Facing Charges Suspended Without Pay

A Grand Traverse Sheriff's Office deputy facing charges for exchanging nude photos with a teenage girl has been suspended from the department without pay.

John Scheiding was arraigned Tuesday in 86th District Court on charges of possession of child sexually abusive material, distributing obscene material to a minor, neglect of duty, and use of a computer to commit a crime. Scheiding is accused of initiating a relationship with a Traverse City girl before she turned 16, later escalating his pursuit by becoming more flirtatious and suggesting they exchange nude pics.

While Scheiding was initially placed on paid administrative leave, Grand Traverse Sheriff's Office officials met with the deputy in Leelanau County Jail Tuesday following his arraignment to "serve him notice that he will be suspended without pay until further notice," according to a statement from the Sheriff's Office. "This action was taken as allowed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Police Officer's Association of Michigan."

If convicted of his charges, Scheiding could face prison time and be required to register as a sex offender.