Delaware task force nabs online predator

In an online undercover investigation, the Delaware Child Predator Task Force gathered just enough evidence to charge and arrest a Newport man for distributing child pornography. This is an effort to continue to prosecute those who prey on young, innocent children, according to investigators.

Attorney General Beau Biden, who made the announcement of the arrest on Wednesday, reminds predators that the task force will not rest until they are caught. “We’re taking action to protect our kids by taking those who possess and distributing child pornography off the streets,” Biden said.

Fifty-eight-year-old Michael D. Harris of Newport is charged with 16 counts of dealing in child pornography. The Child Predator Task Force, along with local police, zeroed in on Harris after searching his home on Wednesday. Detectives who searched the residence on North Mary Street seized multiple computers, an iPad and a variety of other evidence. After taking a closer look at the seized items, police discovered multiple video files of child pornography.

Harris now sits behind bars at the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in lieu of $480,000 secured bail.

  • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal