Son of Michigan judge charged in exploitation case

Grand Rapids, Mich. — The son of a Michigan appeals court judge has been accused of persuading a Texas boy to send nude photos.

Sameer Gadola has been indicted on federal charges of enticing a minor and sexually exploiting a minor. He’s in his early 20s. He’s the son of Mike Gadola, an appeals court judge and former counsel to Gov. Rick Snyder.

Sameer Gadola’s parents released a statement to The Grand Rapids Press, saying there’s “another side to the government’s allegations.” They didn’t elaborate.

Gadola’s phone was seized by federal agents after he returned from an overseas trip in January. In a court filing, the FBI quotes Gadola as saying he has a sickness and is trying to get better.

He’ll appear in Grand Rapids federal court on April 4.