Keats Harvey, 24, an American resident of West Wittering, Chichester, has been jailed for a series of horrific sexual offences involving toddlers and young children. Harvey was arrested in May 2020 following a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation that uncovered a disturbing collection of indecent images and evidence of abuse.
The investigation revealed that Harvey had accumulated nearly 9,000 indecent images of children on his devices, dating from 2015 to 2020. These included 860 category A images, 1,290 category B images, 6,984 category C images, and 630 prohibited images. Analysis of his chat logs and emails showed that he shared these materials with other offenders and admitted to molesting three young children, all under the age of ten, including a toddler.
Harvey used his connections to other adults to meet children and even assaulted a child at a party. His depraved actions extended to attempting to befriend vulnerable adults with children and applying for jobs in hospitals and nurseries to gain access for abuse.
At Hove Crown Court, Harvey was found guilty of multiple offences, including possession and distribution of indecent images, assaulting children under 13, and grooming a girl under 16. He was sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison.
Peter Stevens, NCA’s T/Regional Head of Investigations, stated: “Keats Harvey was conducting very serious offending, not just online but by physically abusing young children. He actively tried to befriend adults with children and sought jobs at hospitals and nurseries to gain access. His behaviour was escalating, and the sentence reflects that. I’m pleased he’s behind bars where he no longer poses a risk.”
Stevens also revealed that the investigation led to the identification and arrest of another American suspect, a teacher in Seattle, accused of abusing an 11-year-old boy. The NCA collaborated closely with Sussex and Hampshire Police to identify linked offenders and protect victims.
The NCA expressed gratitude to partner forces for their vital cooperation, especially given the challenges of working through the pandemic and reviewing vast amounts of disturbing evidence to achieve justice.
Originally published by UKNIP.
