STATE POLICE MAKE COMPUTER CRIME ARREST

In a joint operation between the Connecticut State Police Computer
Crimes Unit, the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General
and the United States Postal Inspection Service, an investigation took place
regarding the importation, distribution and possession of child pornography at
a U.S. Postal Facility in Connecticut.

From January 2011 through May 2011, this joint operation has been
investigating U.S. Postal service employee John Gearhart of Willington.
Investigators talked with Gearhart during the investigation and then seized
a U.S. federal work computer Gearhart’s desk for further investigative
examination.

The initial analysis and investigation revealed that Gearhart attempted
to import, possess, view, watch and download images and videos of child
pornography using his U.S. postal service work computer.

An arrest warrant for Gearhart was issued from G.A. 14 in Hartford.
On June 15, 2011, Gearhart turned himself in to State Police Barracks,
Troop H, in Hartford, where he was arrested and processed according to
department policy and procedure. He was released on a court-set bond
of $25,000 and will return to court on June 29, 2011.

Arrested:      John F Gearhart Jr   (D.O.B. 03/06/1956)

                   102 Pinney Hill Road, Willington

Charges:        

Criminal Attempt at Possession of Child Pornography, 1st Degree

Criminal Attempt at Importing Child Pornography

   Additional charges may be forthcoming, as the investigation is active
and on-going.

-end-

Lt. J. Paul Vance