A former detective with the Smyrna Police Department in Delaware pled guilty to coercing and enticing a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity.

The plea of former detective Michael Kealty (Kealty) was accepted by U.S. District Judge Richard G. Andrews. Kealty faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, with a maximum potential sentence of life in prison. The sentencing is scheduled for February 12, 2025. https://www.justice.gov/usao-de/pr/ex-smyrna-detective-pleads-guilty-child-sexual-exploitation-charge (Oct. 15, 2024).

Commentary

According to the DOJ:

"Michael Kealty's actions reveal a calculating and dangerous criminal. He repeatedly sought opportunities to target vulnerable minors and was committing the very crimes he was sworn to investigate as a police detective. Pursuing justice for victims of child exploitation is one of the FBI's highest priorities," says Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI's Baltimore Field Office.

The source states that Kealty was committing the very same crimes he was investigating, suggesting Kealty was targeting victims of abuse and/or neglect.

All children are vulnerable to adult sexual abuse. However, there are groups of children who are more vulnerable than others. Past victims of child sexual abuse are very vulnerable because adults are part of the recovery process, and victims want to trust these adults.

Studies of victims as adults claim victims are much more likely to experience abuse again. https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-compassion-chronicles/201905/why-survivors-of-child-sexual-abuse-are-often-re-victimized

Children most vulnerable to sexual abuse, include:

• Children between the ages of 7 and 13
• Children with physical, mental, or emotional challenges
• Previous victims of sexual abuse
• Children from homes where domestic violence is present
• Children from single parent homes
• Children from homes with parental discord
• Children that abuse drugs and/or alcohol