Stafford Child Pornography Suspect Appears in Court

Stafford Child Pornography Suspect Appears in Court

(AP and WTIC Staff Report) A Connecticut judge has increased a 59-year-old Stafford man's bond after prosecutors said he may soon face new charges in a federal and state child pornography investigation.

Craig Niles was arraigned Monday in Rockville Superior Court the day before his 60th birthday, where his bond was increased from $500,000 to $750,000.

Niles stooped, limped severely, and walked slowly with a cane in court. His defense lawyer said he was injured in a car crash 4 or 5 years ago.

Niles was charged Saturday with sexual assault, employing and promoting a minor in an obscene performance, impairing the morals of a minor, possession of child pornography and risk of injury to a minor.

Authorities say Niles, who has no criminal record, is accused of engaging in sexual activity with an 11-year-old foster child in his custody and broadcasting it online.

That child and two others in the home have been taken into state custody.

According to an arrest warrant, police say Niles admitted to having sexual encounters with the middle school student between 20 and 30 times, buying her a sex toy and lacy panties and bras.

The investigation began when an undercover officer from Long Island began discussing the abuse of children with someone calling themselves "KidsR4Sex" online.

Police say they have videos that show Niles sexually abusing the girl, and they say the videos were taken at Niles home.

The girl told police her body felt cold, when Niles put his hand under her shirt.  She said she felt nervous and scared, when he took naked videos of her with his web camera.