Timothy P. McDowell, Child Pornography Production, WI 2021

Timothy P. McDowell, 39, of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, is facing federal charges for producing child pornography on three separate dates in 2021. A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin returned a three-count indictment accusing McDowell of using a cellular phone to record visual depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

The alleged incidents occurred on April 24, June 20, and September 23, 2021. Each count carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum of 30 years. If convicted on all counts, McDowell could spend decades behind bars under the harshest penalties federal law allows for such crimes.

Authorities did not identify the victim or disclose the specific content captured, citing the sensitive nature of the investigation. However, the indictment underscores the use of digital devices in the creation and potential distribution of illicit material involving children.

The case was investigated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and the Wood County Sheriff’s Office. Their joint efforts led to the federal charges now being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman.

McDowell remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. A preliminary hearing date has not yet been scheduled. Federal prosecutors are expected to present digital evidence, including phone records and forensic data, in the upcoming proceedings.

This indictment marks the latest in a series of aggressive federal actions targeting child exploitation in central Wisconsin. Law enforcement officials stress that even the production of such material—regardless of distribution—triggers severe mandatory sentencing under U.S. law.