Michael Kealty, a former detective with the Smyrna Police Department, pleaded guilty today to charges of coercing and enticing a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity. This announcement was made by David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware after a court hearing presided over by U.S. District Judge Richard G. Andrews.
Kealty’s guilty plea specifically addressed the offense of Coercion/Enticement of a Minor. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 12, 2025, at 10 a.m., facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum potential sentence of life in prison. The actual sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge, who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Weiss emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating, “As a police officer, Mr. Kealty took an oath to protect and serve. Instead of honoring that oath, he chose to prey upon the most vulnerable members of our community.” He reaffirmed the commitment of his office to prioritize the prosecution of child exploitation cases and commended the FBI for their thorough investigation.
Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office described Kealty’s actions as revealing a “calculating and dangerous criminal” who exploited vulnerable minors. He stated that pursuing justice for victims of child exploitation remains a top priority for the FBI, highlighting the ongoing efforts of the Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force.
The investigation into Kealty’s conduct was conducted by the FBI, and the prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Briana Knox.