Former Grand Rapids police officer Ryan James Bruggink, already in prison for sexually assaulting his former girlfriend, pleaded guilty Wednesday to two criminal charges involving a separate victim.
Bruggink pleaded guilty to possession of child sexually-abusive material and an amended count of using a computer to commit a crime.
In exchange for his pleas, the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office agreed to dismiss charges of child sexually-abusive commercial activity and a more serious count of using a computer to commit crime that carries a 20-year penalty.
Kent County Circuit Court Judge Donald A. Johnston in May sentenced Bruggink to between 2 and 15 years in prison for third-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Under today's plea, prosecutors have agreed to let Bruggink serve sentences in both cases at the same time. He’ll be back in Johnston's court for sentencing July 5.
Days after his conviction, the prosecutor’s office authorized three felony warrants against Bruggink for pornographic images sent to his phone by a 17-year-old girl.
The teen sent images to Bruggink over a three-month period in 2014, which authorities say he shared with others.
During his sentencing in May, Johnston acknowledged Bruggink’s otherwise crime-free past, but said public servants like police officers need to be held to a higher standard.
“I think society has a right to expect a higher moral, ethical and legal conduct of its public officials,’’ Johnston said. “You clearly violated these standards and your behavior falls below an acceptable level of a person entrusted with the office which you then held.’’
A Kent County jury found Bruggink guilty of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, which involves sexual penetration by force or coercion. Sentencing guidelines recommended a minimum term of between 15 and 25 months.
Bruggink, 25, was acquitted of the most serious charges -- home invasion and first-degree criminal sexual conduct, a felony that carries a maximum term of life in prison.
The March 29 verdict capped a two-week trial that included graphic detail of the sexual encounters between Bruggink and his accuser during the course of their 11-month relationship.
Bruggink is being held at Pugsley Correctional Facility in Grand Traverse County. He’s eligible for release in March, 2018.