Former ‘Survivor’ Contestant Michael Skupin Sentenced To Prison In Child Porn Case; 5 Things You Need To Know

More than six years after making his initial “Survivor” debut, Michael Skupin’s name is back in the news. The software publisher competed on seasons of the CBS show in 2000 and 2012, almost winning the latter. Now he’s facing hard time in a child pornography case.

According to Entertainment Tonight, Skupin, 54, appeared in an Oakland County courtroom in Detroit on Tuesday where he was found guilty and sentenced to four years in prison. The former “Survivor” competitor was ordered the serve time for possession of child pornography.

Additionally, the publication reports that Skupin was ordered to four years probation for larceny in another case. He will have to submit to regular drug testing after being released from prison and will have to pay $31,800 to each of his victims.

While that may seem like a small price to pay for such a heinous crime, it’s not the only punishment Skupin has been hit with as a result of the case. Below are five key facts about Skupin, the charges against him and more:

Skupin Appeared On “Survivor II: The Australian Outback” And “Survivor: Philippines”:

The Michigan native first made a name for himself in reality TV in 2000, appearing in the second season of “Survivor.” Early in the season, Skupin was viewed as a leader among his teammates. His chances of winning, however, were dashed just under three weeks into the competition. While attempting to build a fire he inhaled a significant amount of smoke, passed out and fell into the fire. Skupin burned his hands during the fall and was sent home.

Skupin got redemption during Season 25 of “Survivor,” when he and several others were chosen to compete on a team of former medical evacuees. Skupin made it to the final tribal council, but was stabbed in the back. The sabotage from competitors/alliance members sent him packing once again.

He Was Allegedly Involved In A Pyramid Scheme:

In 2013 speculation began swirling that Skupin was running a sham of a financial business. The company, called Pay it Forward, was thought to be a pyramid scheme from which Skupin was reaping major benefits by ripping off investors. Skupin was arrested for his alleged involvement in the scheme in February. He was later charged with several counts of larceny by conversion and a single count of racketeering.

Investigation Into Skupin’s Financial Scheme Lead To His Child Pornography Case:

A search of Skupin’s computer uncovered more than investigators could have imagined. Shortly after he was hit with larceny and racketeering charges, Skupin found himself at the center of an investigation into a child pornography case. In November, he was found guilty of four of six charges of possession, according to People.

Skupin Maintains That He Is Innocent In Child Porn Charges:

Despite having been found guilty and being charged, Skupin maintains that he is innocent in the child pornography case. In court on Tuesday Skupin told the judge he “didn’t do it,” adding that “hundreds of people” had access to the laptop on which the materials were found. Skupin used the care of his own children as a defense, suggesting that sending him to prison would have financial repercussions on the 11 children he is currently raising.

“I maintain that I didn’t do it,” he said (via People). “That’s all I maintain. There were hundreds of people who had access to my computer. I have 11 children who I’m raising, and I have about $1,000 a month in child support. There’s so much fallout that would result in me going away.”

He Plead No Contest To Larceny Charges:

While Skupin claims that he had no part in collecting the child porn materials found on his computer, he has not denied any of the charges against him regarding his alleged financial scheme. In November, Skupin plead no contest to larceny by conversion charges and was ordered to pay more than $30,000 to victims. According to Fox 2 Detroit, the racketeering charges against him were dismissed.

It is not yet clear when Skupin’s prison sentence will begin.