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Ex-‘Survivor’ contestant charged with possessing child porn, running Ponzi scheme

Contestant Michael Skupin attends CBS' "Survivor: Philippines" Finale & Reunion Red Carpet at CBS Television City on December 16, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

CLARKSTON, Mich. — Michigan authorities have charged a former “Survivor” contestant with possessing child pornography and running Ponzi scheme.

Michael Skupin was arraigned Friday in Oakland County on a dozen felony charges, including child porn possession, larceny by conversion and racketeering. His bond was set at $350,000.

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It wasn’t clear if Skupin has an attorney. The Associated Press left messages Saturday with county and state government representatives.

State Attorney General Bill Schuette says investigators found the child porn on Skupin’s laptop while looking into the alleged Ponzi scheme. Authorities say Skupin persuaded people to make $10,000 investments in his scheme and used new investors’ money to pay older ones.

Skupin was rescued by helicopter after falling into a campfire and burning his hands in 2001 on “Survivor II: The Australian Outback.”

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