Embattled former CNN producer Rick Saleeby refused to answer a Project Veritas reporter’s questions after he appeared before a Virginia Court judge Tuesday, in connection to allegations of sexual misconduct involving girls in their early teens.
Fairfax County police last week reportedly seized electronics and hard drives from Saleeby’s home after a whistleblower exposed sexually predatory texts and FaceTime calls targeting the minors. Project Veritas has since confirmed that the Fairfax County Police have launched an investigation into the allegations. According to a CNN spokesman, Saleeby has resigned from his position.
On Dec 15, Project Veritas released a shocking video featuring whistleblower Janine Banani, who presented graphic texts and videos showing the former CNN producer fantasizing about molesting his fiancé’s 14-year-old daughter, and Banani’s own underage daughter.
Saleeby, who was the producer for Jake Tapper’s “The Lead,” lived with his fiancé and her three daughters while entertaining perverted fantasies about the oldest daughter, according to Banani.
Saleeby’s fiancé has since split with him, Veritas reported, and is fully cooperating with authorities, “to ensure this never happens to another family.” Shortly after the scandalous story broke, she wrote a heartfelt letter to Project Veritas president and founder James O’Keefe, thanking him for alerting her to the danger.
Public Affairs Director Anthony Guglielmi issued the following statement to Project Veritas on December 26 regarding its investigation:
The Fairfax County Police Department has launched an investigation into serious allegations involving potential juvenile victims. Detectives assigned to the Child Exploitation Squad of the Major Crimes Bureau are leading the investigation. While we will eventually be transparent about our findings, safeguarding the personal privacy and safety of victims and witnesses as well as maintaining the integrity of our criminal investigation are of paramount importance.
At this time, we are not in a position to provide additional detail on the scope or nature of this investigation.
Saleeby appeared in the Fairfax County court today, “in answer to a Protective Order placed against him by his former fiancé,” according to Veritas.
A Project Veritas reporter caught up with Saleeby outside the courthouse, and asked for a comment on the case. Saleeby ignored the reporter, got in his car, and sped away. His attorney, Patrick O’Brien, with Dischley Law, also refused to comment.
On Dec. 13, CNN fired another employee, senior producer John Griffin, after he was arrested for shocking sex crimes with young girls.
Update:
Saleeby is under “CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION by the Child Exploitation Squad of the Major Crimes Bureau in Fairfax County, VA,” Project Veritas reported on Wednesday.
According to Matt Dornic, Head of Strategic Comms Worldwide for CNN, “Saleeby resigned from his position weeks ago.”