Former Kids Camp Staffer From Vernon Charged In Child Porn Investigation: Coventry Police

COVENTRY, CT — A Vernon man who was a staff member at a camp for young people is facing a child pornography charge.

Coventry police Wednesday announced details of the June 6 arrest of 62-year-old Mark Harrington.

According to a warrant, it was discovered that computers being destroyed by the former Channel 3 Kids Camp contained potential images of "child sexual abuse material." The discovery was made by the camp’s IT vendor, and camp officials reported the incident to police, according to a warrant. The computers were being disposed of after the sale of the camp property in November 2024, a warrant indicates.

After a forensic examination by the DESPP Forensic Lab, a dozen suspected files containing child porn were discovered, along with 4,262 non-CSAM files classified as "child exploitative or age indeterminate," the warrant says.

Harrington, a former employee of the camp, was determined to be the suspect.

A search warrant was obtained for his residence and executed with the assistance of detectives from Vernon police, the State Police Computer Crimes Unit, and Homeland Security Investigations. As a result of the search, several electronic items were seized and later examined, according to a warrant. As a result of the examinations, an arrest warrant was
issued. Eight more files were determined to be "child sexual abuse material" with thousands of images listed as "non-CSAM or child exploitative," according to a warrant.

"It is important to note that we do not believe the victims in these photos to be children that attended the Camp," police said. "Based on the investigation, evidence suggests the images were obtained from internet sources."

Harrington was charged with possession of child sexual abuse material in the third degree. He posted a $20,000 court-set bond and was given a court date of June 17 in Rockville.