Former Michigan Doctor Sentenced to 15 Years for Child Pornography

Robert Glapinski, 62, pleaded guilty to distributing thousands of images of child sexual abuse material.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 12:22am

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A former family medicine doctor from Michigan, Robert Glapinski, 62, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison on Wednesday for possessing and distributing thousands of images and videos of child pornography. Glapinski, who treated both adults and children in his medical practice, was caught after Google submitted a tip to authorities about a user sharing child sexual abuse material in a Google Chat.

Why it matters

The sentencing of a medical professional for such a serious crime involving the exploitation of children is a disturbing case that highlights the need for continued vigilance and strong enforcement to protect the vulnerable from predatory behavior, even within trusted institutions like the healthcare system.

The details

Prosecutors say that in the chats, Glapinski discussed sexually abusing girls and sharing child pornography. Investigators executed a search warrant at Glapinski's home on April 8, 2025, where he admitted to viewing, receiving and possessing child pornography. An investigation found more than 2,500 images and more than 150 videos of child sexually abusive material on Glapinski's electronics.

  • On March 5, 2025, Google submitted a tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about a user sharing child pornography in a Google Chat.
  • On April 8, 2025, investigators executed a federal search warrant at Glapinski's home.

The players

Robert Glapinski

A 62-year-old former family medicine doctor from Capac, Michigan who pleaded guilty to distributing thousands of images of child pornography.

Jerome Gorgon

The U.S. Attorney who stated that the sexual abuse of children is among the most heinous types of crimes, and that the punishment must be severe when committed by a physician.

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What they’re saying

“The sexual abuse of children is among the most heinous types of crimes imaginable. But when such a terrible crime is committed by a physician — a person who has taken an oath to do no harm — the punishment must be severe.”

— Jerome Gorgon, U.S. Attorney

What’s next

Glapinski will serve his 15-year federal prison sentence, after which he will be subject to supervised release.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for robust monitoring, reporting, and enforcement mechanisms to prevent the exploitation of children, even by those in positions of trust like medical professionals. It also highlights the severe consequences faced by those who engage in such abhorrent criminal behavior.