Having personally known Dan Bell for some period of time now, I would ask each and every one of you to write the Mecosta County Courthouse and demand that he be sentenced to the maximum amount of time allowed, which is four years. This man has not shown ANY remorse whatsoever for what he has done (other than getting caught), and I have no doubt in my mind that he will continue this kind of behavior if given the opportunity. The only remorse that has been shown, was that he got caught and has tried to cover the severity of the situation by lying to anyone that would listen. After his computers were confiscated back in June, he has since obtained another computer and still has one in his home. I would not be at all surprised if his deplorable behavior has been ongoing since then.

Given the amount of law enforcement involved (including the FBI), this is definitely something that should be taken seriously. This man has a real problem, and should be punished for what he has done. I honestly don't feel that four years would be nearly long enough, and think it was a shame that he was allowed to weasel his way out of most of the charges. Especially considering one of the charges was using the internet with intent to commit a crime. What if that was your child he was looking at or talking to online? It is sad to think that this sort of thing happens every day and most of these men (and women) are getting off on probation, if they are even caught at all. I am well aware that they are placed on the Sexual Predators list, but that just does not seem like punishment enough!

I again ask the parents of Mecosta County to write or call the courthouse and demand that he serve actual jail time. He needs time to think about his actions and hopefully will one day be remorseful for what he has done and can get the help that he so desperately needs.