3 Charged In Child Sex Abuse Investigation: Meriden Police

MERIDEN, CT — Three men were recently arrested in connection with a joint operation by the Meriden Police Department and the FBI to “enhance the societal safety of children,” according to police.

“The operation was designed to take enforcement against individuals that were seeking sexual activity with children,” police wrote in a news release. “The Meriden Police Department is dedicated to protecting children from sexual exploitation. The members of the Special Crimes Unit of the Meriden Police Department devoted significant time to working with partnering agencies on this operation.

“We would like to acknowledge the efforts of the FBI and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office. Both partnerships were vital to the implementation and success of this operation. Internally the operation was assisted by members of the Crime Suppression Unit, Major Crimes Unit, the Neighborhood Initiative Unit and the Police Service Technicians.

“The Meriden Police Department is devoted to fully investigating any allegation of sexual abuse of juvenile or adult victims. We have a network of partner agencies that can facilitate providing services while also working towards enforcement when appropriate.”

Wilson Suarez, 28, was arrested on charges of criminal attempt at risk of injury – sexual contact victim under 16, criminal attempt at second-degree sexual assault and criminal attempt at commercial sexual abuse of a minor. He was held in lieu of a $250,000 bond with a court date of March 22.

John Magaldi, 61, was arrested on charges of criminal attempt at risk of injury – sexual contact victim under 16, criminal attempt at second-degree sexual assault, criminal attempt at commercial sexual abuse of a minor, and interfering with police. He was held in lieu of a $350,000 bond with a court date of March 22.

Francisco Carrero, 50, was arrested on charges of criminal attempt at risk of injury – sexual contact victim under 16, criminal attempt at second-degree sexual assault, criminal attempt at commercial sexual abuse of a minor, and possession of narcotics. He was held in lieu of a $250,000 bond with a court date of March 22.