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Stafford Man Charged In Federal, State Investigation

STAFFORD, Conn. -- Connecticut state police said a Stafford man faces dozens of charges in connection with a federal and state child pornography investigation.

Troopers said they arrested Craig Niles, 59, at his home Saturday, one day after FBI agents and state police searched his home.

Niles was charged with four counts of first-degree sexual assault, five counts of fourth-degree sexual assault, employing and promoting a minor in an obscene performance, two counts of impairing the morals of a minor, possession of child pornography and 20 counts of risk of injury to a minor.

Three children living at the home were taken into state custody.
Niles was being held Saturday on $500,000 bond, and is due to appear Monday in Rockville Superior Court.

http://www.wfsb.com/news/17990578/detail.html

 

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Foster Parent Charged In Child-Sex Case

Dozens Of Charges Brought Against Man

Video: Man To Face Judge In Child-Sex Case

STAFFORD, Conn. -- A Stafford man accused in connection with dozens of sexual assault charges involving children is a licensed foster parent, Eyewitness News has learned.

Craig Niles, 59, faced a judge Monday on charges that were filed in a federal and state pornography investigation.

Niles was arrested at his home Saturday, one day after FBI agents and state police searched his home. He is due in Rockville Superior Court on Monday after being held over the weekend on $500,000 bond.

Niles is charged with four counts of first-degree sexual assault, five counts of fourth-degree sexual assault, employing and promoting a minor in an obscene performance, two counts of impairing the morals of a minor, possession of child pornography and 20 counts of risk of injury to a minor.
Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Katy Zachry reported that Niles is married and has three adoptive or foster children.

The Department of Children and Families said Niles is a licensed foster parent who works through a private agency that contracts with the DCF.

"Everyone who works at the department is deeply troubled by these shocking allegations," said Gary Kleeblatt of DCF in a written statement Monday. "The department is fully cooperating with the police, and we are thoroughly and aggressively investigating all allegations that arise int his matter."

Kleeblatt said that the department is reviewing the process the private agency used to approve the family as a foster care provider.

At a court appearance Monday, Niles' bond was raised from $500,000 to $750,000.

The children living at Niles' home have been taken into state custody.

Previous Stories:

• November 15, 2008: Kids Taken From Home In Child-Porn Probe

http://www.wfsb.com/news/17997535/detail.html

 

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2nd Suspect Arrested In Child Porn Case

1st Suspect Arrested In November

EAST HADDAM, Conn. -- Connecticut State Police have arrested an East Haddam man as the second suspect in a child pornography investigation.

Steven Turkington, 60, is charged with employing a minor in an obscene material performance, risk of injury to a minor and two counts of conspiracy.

Connecticut State Police said Turkington's arrest is tied to the November arrest of 60-year-old Craig Niles, of Stafford.

Niles is facing several charges, including first-degree sexual assault, fourth-degree sexual assault, employing a minor in an obscene material performance and 20 counts of risk of injury to a minor and first-degree possession of child pornography.
The Department of Children and Families said Niles is a licensed foster parent who works through a private agency that contracts with the DCF.

Information on the case is limited because the affidavit of the investigation is sealed.

Previous Stories:

Nov. 17, 2008: Foster Parent Charged In Child-Sex Case

http://www.wfsb.com/news/18298086/detail.html