BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A 31-year-old Bethlehem man is facing felony charges after police say he helped his fiancée evade authorities and flee Pennsylvania while she was wanted in connection with a child sexual abuse investigation.
Timothy Richard Nelligan Jr., of the 500 block of Cherokee Street, is charged with three felony counts of hindering apprehension.
According to authorities, Nelligan allegedly remained in contact with his fiancée, 29-year-old Tishel Grace Arden, despite being instructed not to contact her. Police allege he destroyed Arden’s cellphone and helped coordinate a plan for her to leave Pennsylvania and travel into New Jersey.
Arden remains wanted by Bethlehem police in connection with a separate child sexual abuse investigation. Authorities have said she fled Pennsylvania in mid-July and is believed to have traveled into the New Jersey and New York area. Investigators have also identified ties to North Carolina, Brooklyn and Philadelphia.
Court records cited by authorities indicate Arden faces charges including conspiracy to commit rape of a child, filming a minor engaged in a prohibited sexual act, dissemination of child sexual abuse material and possession of child sexual abuse material. The charges were originally filed in May, with an arrest warrant later issued.
Nelligan was arraigned Tuesday before District Judge Jordan A. Knisley, who set bail at $150,000.
The charges against Nelligan and Arden are allegations. Both are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
The investigation remains ongoing, and Arden remained wanted as of the latest information available.
