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By Amanda Greenwood
Associate News Editor
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A former California firefighter accused of possessing child sexual abuse material has been added to the FBI's Most Wanted list after investigators said they are examining whether he faked his own death in a boating accident to avoid prosecution.
Charles Johnathen Harris, a former firefighter with the Alameda County Fire Department, was charged by a federal grand jury on March 2, 2023, on one count of possession of child pornography, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California.
Newsweek reached out to the FBI for comment.
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What Was Harris Accused Of?
Federal prosecutors said the case began after investigators received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. According to the indictment, Harris allegedly possessed child sexual abuse material on his iPhone, including unlawful images of young, prepubescent children. Investigators also alleged that he uploaded illicit material using the messaging platform Kik while he was working at Alameda County fire station.
Harris surrendered to federal authorities and made an initial appearance in federal court in Oakland on March 7, 2023. Prosecutors said he was released on bond with restrictions on his internet access while the case proceeded.
If convicted, he faced up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
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Reported Death Came Weeks After Indictment
Just weeks later, however, the case took an unusual turn.
According to the FBI, Harris “allegedly drowned in a boating accident” in Suisun Bay, California, on April 4, 2023.
His reported death came before a scheduled court appearance on April 19, 2023. After he failed to appear, federal authorities issued an arrest warrant charging him with failure to appear on April 21, 2023.
Why the FBI Believes Harris' Death May Have Been Staged
Now, more than three years later, federal investigators are questioning whether the reported drowning actually occurred.
In a wanted notice published by the FBI's San Francisco Field Office, the agency said that "law enforcement officials believe the circumstances warrant further scrutiny, including the possibility that his death was staged."
Although the FBI hasn’t publicly disclosed what new information led investigators to revisit the case, the agency has issued a renewed public appeal for information and continues to hunt for Harris on his outstanding arrest warrant.
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Added to FBI Wanted List
Harris, now 46, is described by the FBI as a white male with red hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing approximately 220 pounds. The agency says he may also use the aliases "Chuck Harris" and "Charlie Harris" and has light burn scars on his hands. He was living in Coulterville, California, when he disappeared.
The FBI is asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact their local FBI office, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or submit a tip through its online reporting system.
Newsweek’s reporters and editors used Martyn, our AI assistant, to produce this story. Learn more about Martyn here.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Matthew Cannon and Sam Wilson.
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