Ex-Smyrna detective: 10 years in federal prison for involvement with 16-year-old girl

Michael Kealty of Magnolia, was sentenced Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware to 10 years in federal prison for his crime of coercing and enticing a minor into sexual activity.

Shannon T. Hanson, acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced the news, and The Honorable U.S. District Judge Richard G. Andrews issued the sentence.

Documents show that Kealty met a 16-year-old girl online and groomed her for six months into producing sexually explicit images and videos of herself.

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Kealty threatened to expose the girl’s images to the public if she did not continue to perform for him, and his Kealty’s online accounts also showed his attempted exploitation of additional, unidentified minor girls, including a 13-year-old.

A former detective with the Smyrna Police Department, Kealty was charged in October 2023 with Distribution and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material.

On Oct. 15, 2024, Kealty pleaded guilty to an enhanced charge of Coercion/Enticement of a Minor, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison.

“Mr. Kealty betrayed his oath, his badge, and his community by exploiting the most vulnerable members of our community, our children,” Hanson said. “Today’s sentence sends a message that no one is above the law. I commend the FBI for their diligent pursuit of justice in this case and for ensuring that child predators like Mr. Kealty are brought to justice.”

This case was investigated by the FBI, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Briana Knox prosecuted the case.

“There is absolutely no tolerance for any actions that hurt a child. Kealty’s crimes are especially egregious considering he swore to protect our communities and children,” says Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office. “Delaware is safer with him locked up where can no longer victimize or abuse anyone else.”