Branford Man, 57, Charged with CSAM After 16-Month ICAC Investigation

Branford Man Charged Following 16-Month Online Investigation

A 57-year-old Branford man was arrested on March 12, 2026, on charges of first-degree possession of child sexual abuse material following an investigation spanning more than a year.

Norbert Stanislaw Zielinski faces the charges after investigators from the Guilford Police Department, working through the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, traced online sharing of child sexual abuse material to a residence in Branford.

How the Investigation Unfolded

The ICAC Task Force launched its investigation on October 26, 2024, after discovering that child sexual abuse material was being shared online from a local residence. Through further investigation, authorities determined the residence was in Branford.

On March 12, 2026, Guilford police executed a search warrant at Zielinski's Branford home with assistance from the Branford Police Department. Officers seized numerous items of evidence during the search. Following forensic examination, investigators confirmed that Zielinski was in possession of what they described as a substantial amount of child sexual abuse material.

Zielinski was arrested and charged with first-degree possession of child sexual abuse material. A bond of $150,000 was set. His court appearance is scheduled for March 24, 2026.

Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force

The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program is a national network of state and local law enforcement agencies that investigate online child exploitation crimes. Connecticut is among the participating states with a local ICAC unit that coordinates multi-agency investigations.

The task force uses cybertips, platform reports, and online monitoring to identify individuals sharing illegal material. Forensic analysis of seized devices is typically used to substantiate charges in CSAM possession cases.

Guilford is a shoreline town of approximately 22,000 residents in New Haven County. The Guilford Police Department serves as a lead agency in regional ICAC investigations involving New Haven County communities.

Internet Safety Event in Guilford

In connection with the arrest, the Guilford Police Department announced an Internet Safety for Parents presentation scheduled for Thursday, March 31, 2026, at the Guilford Community Center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is open to the public and intended to help parents understand online risks and warning signs.

Parents and guardians in Guilford, Branford, and surrounding communities are encouraged to attend. No registration details were announced; residents can contact the Guilford Police Department for information.

Charges and Penalties

First-degree possession of child sexual abuse material is a serious felony under Connecticut law. The charge carries significant prison time and mandatory sex offender registration upon conviction. The specific charge and bond amount reflect the volume of material found during the investigation.

Zielinski's case will be heard in Connecticut Superior Court. No legal representation for Zielinski had been publicly identified at the time of the arrest.

Anyone with information about online child exploitation can submit a tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's CyberTipline at cybertipline.org, or contact local law enforcement.

Got a tip? Reach out to us at tips@thequinnipiacpost.com.