Michael Anthony Kealty, Child Exploitation, Delaware 2023

Child Exploitation Ring Busted in Delaware

A shocking case of child exploitation has unfolded in Delaware, with a Smyrna Police Department detective at the center of the probe. Michael Anthony Kealty, 33, has been arrested and charged with Distribution and Possession of Child Pornography.

According to court documents, Kealty distributed child pornography via his Snapchat account in August 2023. Federal agents executed a search warrant at his residence on September 22, 2023, and subsequently discovered additional child pornography in his Snapchat account.

If convicted of distributing child pornography, Kealty faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, with a maximum penalty of 20 years. If convicted of possession, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss made the announcement, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Briana Knox prosecuting the case. The Smyrna Police Department cooperated with the investigation, which was led by the FBI Baltimore Field Office.

Kealty’s arrest serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of child exploitation. The FBI and local law enforcement agencies remain vigilant in their pursuit of perpetrators, working tirelessly to bring them to justice.

Kealty’s case will proceed through the federal court system, with a trial date yet to be determined. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

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