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.
Charges and next steps
Tirado faces state counts for manufacturing and possessing child sexual abuse material, as well as weapons and communication‑related charges, according to 6ABC. Prosecutors say he also had separate warrants in Lehigh, Northampton and Monroe counties and that the Attorney General’s office will handle prosecution of the new charges.
Those offenses are felony‑level and carry significant penalties under Pennsylvania law, and the Attorney General’s Child Predator Section typically handles prosecutions involving child exploitation. The office says its agents worked with local police partners to locate and arrest the suspect and secure the scene.
Resources for survivors and families are available, including the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800‑656‑4673, as noted by NBC10 Philadelphia. Officials asked anyone with information about the case to contact the Attorney General’s office or local law enforcement.
“Our agents located and removed from the community a dangerous fugitive who is facing new charges for creating child sexual abuse material and for having a loaded gun while wanted by law enforcement,” Attorney General Dave Sunday said, per FOX29. Tirado remains in custody as the case proceeds through Northampton County courts.
