Christopher Paul Botimer, Child Pornography Production, MI 2024

Bay City, MI – A brutal sentence has been meted out to Christopher Paul Botimer, 59, an Au Gres resident who was yesterday sentenced to 28 years in federal prison for producing child pornography. The conviction stems from his despicable acts of using a minor to produce visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, Botimer pleaded guilty in December 2020 before United States District Judge Thomas Ludington. His heinous actions took place on or about October 6, 2017, when he engaged in sexual contact with a 2-year-old child under his care and captured sexually explicit photographs of the victim.

Botimer, a computer network engineer at the time, had a long history of seeking out child pornography online. He stored the offensive images on multiple electronic devices and distributed some through a peer-to-peer network for his own sexual gratification.

‘Botimer is a child predator and his conduct was reprehensible,’ Acting US Attorney Saima Mohsin said. ‘Today’s lengthy sentence ensures Botimer will no longer be a threat to young children. I commend the agents and prosecutors who worked on this case and hope that this 28-year sentence helps bring some closure to the victim and their family.’

The investigation into Botimer was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations Task Force, with Assistant United States Attorneys Anca Pop and Jaqueline Hotz prosecuting the case. The court also ordered Botimer to pay $54,500 in restitution to the victims and a $5,100 special assessment.

‘This sentence serves as a stern reminder that those who prey on children will face severe consequences,’ Mohsin concluded. ‘We are committed to protecting our youth from such predators.’