Shannon T. Hanson, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, has announced that Michael Kealty, a resident of Magnolia, received a 10-year federal prison sentence in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. This sentence, issued by U.S. District Judge Richard G. Andrews, was for coercing and enticing a minor into sexual activity.

As detailed in court documents, Kealty encountered a 16-year-old girl on the internet and manipulated her over six months into creating sexually explicit photos and videos. He once threatened to make her images public if she refused to continue cooperating with his demands. His online activity also revealed his attempts to exploit other, unidentified underage girls, including a 13-year-old.

Kealty, who previously served as a detective with the Smyrna Police Department, faced charges in October 2023 for distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material. On October 15, 2024, he admitted guilt to an enhanced charge of Coercion/Enticement of a Minor, which mandates a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Hanson stated, “Mr. Kealty betrayed his oath, his badge, and his community by exploiting the most vulnerable members of our community, our children. Today’s sentence sends a message that no one is above the law. I commend the FBI for their diligent pursuit of justice in this case and for ensuring that child predators like Mr. Kealty are brought to justice.”

“There is absolutely no tolerance for any actions that hurt a child. Kealty’s crimes are especially egregious considering he swore to protect our communities and children,” says Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office. “Delaware is safer with him locked up where can no longer victimize or abuse anyone else.”