Canton Man Accused of Taking Inappropriate Photographs of Minor Female

Updated Aug. 6, 2012

A Canton man has been charged with risk of injury to a minor after an Internet-based investigation, according to state police. 

Homeland Security Investigations – Immigration and Customs Enforcement began an Internet-based child pornography investigation this month and traced it back to 12 Old Canton Road, according to a state police press release. 

On July 6, the Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes Unit and Homeland Security Investigations – Immigration and Customs Enforcement, executed a search and seizure warrant with the assistance of Canton police officers.

Police seized evidence and identified Michael Crawford, 35, of 12 Old Canton Road as the suspect, according to the release. 

Police allege he took inappropriate photographs of a minor female.

He was placed under arrest, charged with risk of an injury to a minor, and was transported to Troop H – Hartford for processing. Crawford was held on a $100,000 bond and was presented at GA 14 Hartford Superior Court for a same-day arraignment.

He was ordered held on $250,000 bond and the case was continued to July 16. 

According to a state police press release, he was also charged with promoting a minor in an obscene performance and illegal possession of child pornography in the third degree. 

However, according to court documents, the charges were later dropped back down to only risk of injury to a minor and he is due back in court Aug. 14.  

Police spokesman Sgt. Paul Vance said the investigation is continuing. 

A woman who answered a call at the home after the arrest declined comment. 

As of Aug. 6, no attorney had filed to appear on behalf of Crawford.