Man, 45, Charged With First-Degree Possession Of 'Child Sexual Abuse Material:' North Branford Police

NORTH BRANFORD, CT — Tuesday, a Hamden man was taken into custody by the North Branford Police Department and charged with first-degree possession of child sexual abuse material, according to Chief of Police James Lovelace.

Hector Felix-Melendez, 45, of Hamden, Connecticut, was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant following an investigation," Lovelace said. He's being held on $200,000 bond.

"This arrest is the result of a lengthy and comprehensive investigation conducted by the North Branford Police Department Detective Bureau, led by Detective Craig Miller, with assistance from the Patrol Division, the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, and collaborating state and federal law enforcement agencies," Lovelace said. "During the course of the investigation, multiple search warrants were executed, which ultimately led to the identification and arrest of the accused."

The police chief explained that "Investigations involving the sexual exploitation of minors are among the most complex, disturbing, and resource-intensive cases law enforcement undertakes."

"Despite these challenges, investigators remained resolute and methodical in their pursuit of justice
and in safeguarding one of society’s most vulnerable populations," Lovelace said. "The North Branford Police Department has zero tolerance for crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. We will exhaust every legal means and resource available to investigate these offenses and hold offenders accountable under the law."

All arrests are subject to judicial review and determination in a court of law. The information presented is based on probable cause and does not constitute a conviction.