Ex-Smyrna Detective Sentenced to 10 Years for Child Sexual Coercion

Michael Kealty, a former detective with the Smyrna Police Department, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for coercing a 16-year-old girl into producing sexually explicit materials. Over a six-month period, Kealty groomed the girl online, threatening to expose her images if she did not comply with his demands. Investigations revealed attempts to exploit other minors as well, including a 13-year-old girl. Acting U.S. Attorney Shannon T. Hanson emphasized the betrayal of Kealty's duty to protect the community and underscored the commitment to bringing child predators to justice. Kealty pleaded guilty to charges of coercion and enticement of a minor in October 2024, with previous charges related to possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. His defense attorney cited undiagnosed mental health issues as a contributing factor to his actions during sentencing.