Hartford Man, 53, Charged With Child Porn Possession: Police

HARTFORD, CT — A 53-year-old Hartford man was charged by Hartford police with possession of child pornography, part of the Hartford Police Department's ongoing war against child exploitation.

Police said Damien Bernat, 53, of Hartford, was charged Thursday with possession of child sexual abuse materials.

Bernat, who turns 54 on Christmas Day next week, was being held on a $300,000 bond.

Police said that, during September, the Hartford Police Department Child Exploitation Prevention Unit started an investigation after receiving information regarding an individual suspected of possessing child sexual abuse materials.

On Thursday, Dec. 18, detectives assigned to the unit served a search and seizure warrant at a residence on Roxbury Street.

During the execution of the warrant, investigators located multiple electronic devices containing such materials.

Bernat was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Hartford Police Detention Division for processing.

"This arrest highlights the continued efforts of the Hartford Police Child Exploitation Prevention Unit to investigate and hold accountable individuals involved in crimes that exploit and endanger children," wrote the Hartford PD in a statement.

"These investigations are complex, deliberate, and essential to protecting some of the most vulnerable members of our community."

Anyone with information related to child exploitation, online exploitation, or suspicious activity involving minors is urged to report it immediately at the Hartford Police Tip Line: 860-722-TIPS (8477). Tips may be submitted confidentially. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911, police said.

For information on the case, click on this link.