By Craig Anderson

This story has been updated

SMYRNA — A Smyrna Police Department detective has been charged with distribution of and possession of child pornography, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware announced Tuesday.

He has subsequently been relieved of his duties.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation filed a criminal complaint against Michael Anthony Kealty, 33, Friday, the announcement said.

According to the complaint, the FBI on or about Sept. 18 received a CyberTip report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The tip indicated that Snapchat had reported that one of its users was found to have possession of an image deemed to be child sex abuse material on Aug. 7.

Investigation led to the identification of Mr. Kealty as the Snapchat user. The complaint said a search warrant on Mr. Kealty was executed Sept. 22.

“The FBI seized Kealty’s devices for further review,” it said. “Kealty also spoke briefly with agents before invoking his right to an attorney.”

Investigation determined that Mr.  Kealty had possessed and distributed child pornography, the complaint said.

Mr. Kealty is also a United States Air Force Reserve staff sergeant.

He faces a minimum of five years in prison if convicted of distribution of child pornography and a maximum of 20. He faces a maximum of five years for possession of child pornography.

A U.S. Attorney’s Office spokesperson said Tuesday that Mr. Kealty is in custody and scheduled for a federal detention hearing at 1 p.m. Thursday in U.S. District Court.t

The complaint noted that Mr.  Kealty had been suspended by the Smyrna Police Department since search warrants were executed Sept. 22.

Early Wednesday, the Smyrna  Police Department released a statement from Chief Torrie James that read:

"In late September, it was learned that federal authorities were investigating Michael Kealty, an officer from Smyrna PD for alleged crimes involving child pornography. This officer was immediately suspended, and all Police powers were removed.

"The Smyrna Police Department has fully supported and cooperated in the ensuing investigation. On October 16th, 2023, I learned that Michael Kealty had been formally charged and detained. After receiving the full details of the investigation for the first time, Michael Kealty was immediately terminated from employment at Smyrna PD. His actions do not reflect the values of myself, my officers, or the profession of law enforcement. Nor do they conform to the mission statement of the Smyrna Police Department.

"We will continue to cooperate with federal authorities as they prosecute this case. As Chief of Police, I am saddened, heartbroken, disappointed, and downright appalled by these allegations. The fact that one of my own officers has tarnished the reputation of our town and department is sickening.

Smyrna Police Department spokesman Lt. Brian Donner said Tuesday that the agency “fully cooperated with federal authorities in this investigation.

“The moment we were notified of the investigation, Michael Kealty was stripped of all police powers and suspended from duty. In light of the charges being filed, Michael Kealty has been terminated from his employment as a Smyrna Police officer.”

Lt. Donner said Mr. Kealty was employed with the police department for seven years.