Arrest Warrant Remains Active for Missing Alameda County, California Firefighter

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An arrest warrant for Charles Johnathen Harris, a missing Alameda County, California firefighter, remains active five months after his disappearance. Harris was indicted on federal charges of possessing child pornography in March 2023. A magistrate judge had lifted his home detention and location monitoring requirements a week before he went missing. Harris’ brother, who was with him on a fishing trip, swam to a dock on Dutton Island in Solano County on April 4, seeking help. He reported that their vessel had capsized the previous night, and he hadn’t seen Harris for seven hours. Despite an extensive search, Harris’ body was never recovered.

The boat discovered during the search raised questions as it was missing a boat plug. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Volkar expressed concerns about the case during a court hearing, stating that there were unanswered questions and discrepancies in Harris’ brother’s account. Harris’ attorney, Stephen Prekowski, maintained his client’s innocence and believed that Harris would never be found.

Harris, a resident of Coulterville in Mariposa County, faced federal charges for possessing child pornography, including images of prepubescent children. He surrendered to authorities on March 7 and was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond. His next court date was scheduled for April 19, but he went missing on April 3.

The case remains active, and the U.S. Department of Justice obtained an arrest warrant for Harris, should he be found alive.