A fugitive who was wanted on child pornography charges was found hiding underneath the blankets of a child’s bed in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
Noel Tirado, 41, of Bethlehem, was wanted for uploading child sexual abuse material, according to investigators. Officials also said he had warrants out of Lehigh, Northampton, and Monroe counties for charges of escape, terroristic threats and simple assault.
Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office
Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Noel Tirado
The Office of Attorney General’s Child Predator Section determined that Tirado had created videos of a young child he knew. They also said he had other videos and photos of child sexual abuse material.
Resources for victims of sexual assault are available through the National Sexual Violence Resources Center and the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-4673.
On Monday, April 20, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that Tirado was arrested earlier in April at an acquaintance’s home in Bethlehem. Tirado was hiding under the blankets of a child’s bed and was wearing a gun holster, investigators said. A loaded 9mm handgun was also concealed in a nearby bedroom in a dresser room, according to officials.
Officials didn’t reveal if a child was with Tirado in the bedroom when he was found.
Tirado was arrested and charged with manufacturing and possession of child sexual abuse material as well as possession of a prohibited firearm and criminal use of a communication facility.
“Our agents located and removed from the community a dangerous fugitive who is facing new charges for creating child sexual abuse material and for having a loaded gun while wanted by law enforcement,” Attorney General Sunday said. “We thank our local police partners for assisting in this warrant service and ensuring this offender was taken into custody.”
Tirado is being held in the Northampton County Prison after failing to post bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 28, 2026.
Online court records don’t list an attorney who could speak on his behalf.
