More Charges Possible For Stafford Man Arrested On Sexual Assault

More Charges Possible For Stafford Man Arrested On Sexual Assault

November 17, 2008

By DAVID OWENS

The Hartford Courant

VERNON - A 59-year-old Stafford man arrested Saturday, a day after authorities raided his home, on charges of sexual assault and engaging in child pornography may soon face additional state and federal charges, a prosecutor said during the man's arraignment Monday in Superior Court in Rockville.

Craig A. Niles has confessed to sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl, according to a warrant for his arrest. Niles, who is married, indicated to state police detectives that he often engaged in what he described as "consensual sex" with the girl while his wife was away.

In a separate interview with state police, the child told a different story. According to the warrant, Niles would engage in sexual activity with the child while others watched him on the Internet. The child confirmed this.

Niles came to the attention of Suffolk County police on Long Island after an officer there engaged in an online chat with him about child pornography, according to the warrant. Included in the warrant is an explicit discussion between the undercover officer and Niles.

Niles' bail was set at $500,000 but was increased to $750,000 after Assistant State's Attorney Elizabeth C. Leaming told the judge that additional charges were likely.

Niles, who is disabled and walks with a cane from injuries he suffered in a severe car accident, makes his living from social security disability payments and from rental property he owns in Stafford. He does not have a criminal record.

The child was a foster child placed in Niles' home by a placement agency. She and two other children in the home are in state Departmetn of Children and Families custody.