Firefighter Accused of Sharing CSAM May Have Faked Death

A onetime California firefighter who was thought to have drowned three years ago is back on the FBI's radar. Agents say Charles Johnathen Harris, indicted in March 2023 on federal charges of possessing child sexual abuse images, may have staged his own death in Suisun Bay to avoid a potential 20-year prison sentence and $250,000 fine, per NBC News. Harris, who allegedly uploaded the illegal material to social media while working at Alameda County fire stations, vanished about a month after his indictment in what was reported as an April 4, 2023, boating accident, about two weeks before he was to appear in court.

Now, authorities say the reported death needs "further scrutiny," and it's possible Harris is still alive. In that case, anyone assisting in hiding Harris could face a federal felony and up to five years behind bars, per NBC. Originally from Modesto and last known to be living in Coulterville, Harris is described as 5'10", 220 pounds, with red hair and blue eyes, and burn scars on his hands, per SFGate. He would now be 46. The FBI is asking anyone with information to come forward.