Newtown Man Arrested for Child Porn Possession

0:00A 48-year-old guy from Newtown named Paul Melnick just got hit with child pornography possession charges. This stems from a civilian sting that caught him trying to set up a sexual meet with someone he thought was under 16. Newtown police made the arrest official on Tuesday. It all kicked off back on February 27th when a group called Predator Poacher's Long Island tipped off cops. They had proof Melnick was chatting inappropriately and pushing for that in-person hookup. Got warrants for harmful communications enticing a minor and faking his age to lure one. Melnick's been locked up ever since that first bust, now facing $400,000 in bonds. The community impact hits hard, these cases shake parents and highlight online dangers for kids. He's due in Danbury Superior Court on May 26th. Searches of his house, car, and digital stuff turned up thousands of child abuse images and videos. That's the fresh evidence behind the new charge, and Lieutenant Scott Smith says they're still digging deep.

1:01Cups call these probes tough and long, but they're thankful for partner help. If you've got tips, hit up Detective Herald at 203-426-5841, and let's keep the pressure on. That's your update from Hartford News today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with the story.