Three Agencies Lead to Arrest of GR Man for Child Sex Abuse

A Grand Rapids man was arrested for allegedly abusing children at two West Michigan daycares after a tip from Homeland Security, stemming from an investigation in Norway.

From Norway to Homeland Security to the Michigan State Police

Like many countries, Norway has a security system that monitors online channels for suspicious or illegal activity. Norwegian law enforcement was monitoring the messaging app Signal when they discovered sexually abusive material involving children.

Norwegian law enforcement contacted Homeland Security after discovering disturbing child sexual abuse material that appeared to originate in the United States. After turning over the videos and information, Homeland Security passed the case along to Michigan law enforcement, where the material was believed to have originated.

The Michigan State Police wasted no time and immediately questioned the suspect where he admitted to abusing 20 children between two different West Michigan daycares.

Arrest Made in Alleged Abuse of Children at Two Daycares

WOOD TV8 reported that 20-year-old Austin Hapner, who previously worked at Gro Childcare Academy in Grand Rapids and currently works at the Children’s Enrichment Center on Grand Valley State University’s Allendale campus, was arrested on nine felony counts. The charges include alleged child sexual abuse, distributing or promoting child sexual abuse activity, and using a computer to commit a crime.

Hapner has already been arraigned on offenses dating back to May 2025. Investigators are still searching his electronic devices but have already found hundreds of sexually abusive images and videos involving children. They are also working to identify any additional victims.

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Anyone who may have had contact with Hapner at either daycare center is urged to contact Michigan State Police Trooper Mark Fisher at 616-866-4411 or fisherm7@michigan.gov.

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