Michael Natale, a resident of Laurel, Delaware, has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison for possessing child sexual abuse material. The sentence was handed down by Chief Judge Colm F. Connolly in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware.
In October 2024, Natale pleaded guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material. His case emerged from online conversations on the instant messaging platform "Kik," where he exchanged graphic videos depicting child sexual abuse with another individual. This individual was arrested, and a search of her Kik account led authorities to identify Natale.
The ten-year sentence is the mandatory minimum due to Natale's prior conviction in Delaware for dealing in child pornography.
Acting U.S. Attorney Shannon T. Hanson emphasized the commitment to protecting vulnerable community members: “Our office has always been dedicated to the protection of Delaware’s most vulnerable community members, the children. We will continue to aggressively pursue those who exploit children for their own twisted satisfaction, especially those who refuse to change their behavior after previous convictions.”
FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno highlighted the threat posed by Natale: “Natale posed a significant threat to children as demonstrated by his repeated perverse and sick exploitation."
The FBI conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Briana Knox is prosecuting the case.
Further information can be found on the websites of both the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware and the District Court for the District of Delaware or through PACER.