TUCSON, Ariz. – Timothy Mikell Schultheis, 26, of Hilton Head, South Carolina, was sentenced to 27 years in prison on Tuesday by Judge Rosemary Márquez for transporting a 12-year-old minor from Arizona to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
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Schultheis, also known as Jackson Oden, pleaded guilty to Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity. The investigation revealed Facebook communications between the minor and Schultheis detailing his intention to participate in sexual conduct.
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After grooming the victim online, Schultheis traveled from South Carolina to Safford, Ariz., to pick up the girl and return her to his residence. He was arrested on March 30, 2022, at his apartment in South Carolina with the minor present.
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United States Attorney Gary Restaino emphasized the importance of safeguarding youth from predators: ‘Defendant will have a long time in custody to reflect on his crimes, and upon release, decades from now, his supervised release conditions will restrict his use of smart phones and encryption technology to further protect the community.’
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FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Akil Davis highlighted the case’s significance: ‘This sentencing puts a stop to Timothy Schulthies and his repeated offenses. We will use all tools available to bring to justice those who seek to harm children.’ Schultheis had previously been arrested for similar conduct involving another minor.
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This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse launched by the Department of Justice in 2006. The investigation was conducted by the FBI in Sierra Vista and the Graham County Sheriff’s Office, with prosecution handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carin Duryee.
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Key Facts
- State: Arizona
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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