The FBI is seeking a California man who authorities believe may have staged his death following a federal child pornography charge.

Charles Johnathen Harris is wanted for failure to appear after being charged with possession of child pornography, according to the FBI. A federal arrest warrant was issued for Harris on March 2, 2023, in U.S. District Court in Oakland.

Harris allegedly drowned April 4, 2023, in a boating accident in Suisun Bay. However, law enforcement officials believe the circumstances warrant further scrutiny, including the possibility that Harris staged his death, the FBI said.

A second federal arrest warrant was issued April 21, 2023, after Harris was charged with failure to appear.

Harris was born Aug. 26, 1980, in Modesto and is also known as Chuck Harris and Charlie Harris. He is described as 5 feet, 10 inches tall and about 220 pounds, with red hair and blue eyes. The FBI lists his occupation as a fireman and says he has light burn scars on his hands.

Anyone with information about Harris is asked to contact a local FBI office, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or submit a tip through the FBI’s online tip system.

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