New Fairfield man charged with child sexual abuse material to appear in court

John Fairchild faces charges after inappropriate images were found on a seized tablet during a raid on a Danbury apartment where he was living.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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John Fairchild, a 67-year-old New Fairfield man, is facing a third-degree child sexual abuse material possession charge after inappropriate images were found on a tablet seized during a December 2024 raid on a Danbury apartment where he was living. The search was part of an investigation into an April 2024 fire at Fairchild's New Fairfield home, where his wife Gaindawattie 'Bindu' Fairchild was found dead, though the cause and manner of her death were ultimately ruled undetermined. Fairchild is expected back in court on Friday for another scheduled plea hearing in his case.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex intersection of criminal investigations, with the discovery of child sexual abuse material leading to charges against Fairchild while the investigation into his wife's death remains unresolved. It raises questions about the thoroughness of the initial fire investigation and the challenges in obtaining justice for victims and their families.

The details

According to the warrant for Fairchild's arrest, the tablet seized during the December 2024 raid on the Danbury apartment where he was living was found to contain inappropriate images of children, including a photo of a girl under the age of 12 that was confirmed as known child sex abuse material. The amount of child sexual abuse material found on the device was described as 'rather limited' by the assistant state's attorney. Fairchild was not charged for images found on a phone that were described as 'AI-type images... similar to child pornography'.

  • The search that led to Fairchild's February 2025 arrest was part of an investigation into an April 2024 fire at the New Fairfield residence he shared with his late wife.
  • Gaindawattie 'Bindu' Fairchild's remains were discovered inside the couple's burning Wood Creek Road home on April 27, 2024.
  • The state medical examiner's office later determined Bindu Fairchild did not die of smoke inhalation or fire-related injuries, but the cause and manner of her death were ultimately ruled undetermined.
  • The investigation into the fatal fire was suspended in June 2024 'due to a lack of physical evidence, witnesses, suspects, or any further information that will aid in this investigation'.
  • Fairchild is expected back in court on Friday, February 13, 2026, for another scheduled plea hearing in his case.

The players

John Fairchild

A 67-year-old New Fairfield man charged with possession of child sexual abuse material.

Gaindawattie 'Bindu' Fairchild

John Fairchild's late wife, whose remains were found inside the couple's burning New Fairfield home in April 2024, though the cause and manner of her death were ultimately ruled undetermined.

Sandra Kasaram

Bindu Fairchild's sister, who has called for a thorough investigation into her sister's death and repeatedly sought updates, but said police never told her about the investigation being suspended.

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What they’re saying

“I am not happy that they put my sister's case, less than two years, in suspension. I feel my sister's case was never properly investigated.”

— Sandra Kasaram, Bindu Fairchild's sister

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Friday whether to accept a plea deal or set the matter for trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges in obtaining justice for victims and their families, as well as the complex intersection of criminal investigations, when multiple cases involving the same individuals are involved. It raises questions about the thoroughness of investigations and the need for greater transparency and communication with affected families.