FBI says California firefighter may have faked death

Federal authorities believe Charles Johnathen Harris, a California firefighter charged with possession of child pornography, may have staged his own death. Harris, an employee of the Alameda County Fire Department, was indicted in March 2023 after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The investigation alleged he uploaded illegal material via the social media platform Kik while at fire stations.

Harris was reported to have drowned in a boating accident in Suisun Bay on April 4, 2023. However, the FBI stated on Tuesday that the circumstances surrounding the incident “warrant further scrutiny, including the possibility that his death was staged.”

A federal arrest warrant was issued for Harris in April 2023 after he failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing. He is currently on the FBI’s Most Wanted list. Authorities describe Harris as 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing approximately 220 pounds, with red hair and blue eyes. He also uses the aliases “Chuck Harris” and “Charlie Harris.” If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.