Police have charged a Newtown man with possessing child pornography following an investigation that started with a civilian sting operation that allegedly revealed he tried to arrange a sexual meeting someone he believed was underage.
Paul Melnick, 48, of Newtown was charged on Tuesday with possession of child sexual abuse material, according to Lt. Scott P. Smith of the Newtown Police Department.
Melnick was still in custody in connection with his arrest in February when he was charged with the new warrant, Smith said. He remains held on bonds totaling $400,000 and is scheduled to appear in Danbury Superior Court on May 26.
The latest arrest comes after investigators carried out search warrants for Melnick’s home, vehicle and “digital media,” finding that he allegedly had thousands of images and videos of child pornography, according to Smith.
Melnick was first arrested when a group called “Predator Poachers Long Island” contacted Newtown police and said they had evidence suggesting Melnick was allegedly communicating with someone who he thought was under 16 and tried to arrange a meeting to engage in sexual activity, Smith said. Detectives reviewed the materials and obtained a warrant charging Melnick with harmful communications with a minor, enticing a minor and misrepresenting age to entice a minor. He has been in custody since his arrest on Feb. 27.
Smith said Thursday that police are still conducting their investigation.
“These investigations are lengthy and challenging,” Smith said in a statement. “The department is grateful to its law enforcement partners who have provided assistance and resources.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Harold at 203-426-5841.
