A Bethlehem man wanted on child sexual abuse material charges is in custody after investigators say they found him hiding under blankets on a child’s bed at an acquaintance’s home. The arrest, announced Monday, April 20, capped a short multi‑county search that involved state agents and local police.
In a press release from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, officials identified the suspect as 41‑year‑old Noel Tirado of Bethlehem and said agents found him wearing a gun holster while tucked under the bedcovers. According to the office, Tirado was charged with manufacturing and possession of child sexual abuse material, possession of a prohibited firearm and criminal use of a communication facility. Investigators also reported finding a loaded 9mm handgun concealed in a nearby bedroom.
NBC10 Philadelphia reports that Tirado had outstanding warrants in Lehigh, Northampton and Monroe counties for escape, terroristic threats and simple assault. According to the station, a judge set bail at $1 million cash. Tirado is being held in Northampton County Prison after failing to post bond and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 28.
How agents say they tracked him down
Prosecutors with the Attorney General’s Child Predator Section say their investigation showed Tirado created video recordings of a very young child known to him. That trail led agents to an acquaintance’s Bethlehem residence, where they served a warrant. Authorities say they found him hiding under the blankets on a child’s bed and did not immediately say whether a child was present at the time, according to FOX29…