Timothy P. McDowell, Child Pornography Production, WI 2021

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

The alleged crimes occurred on April 24, June 20, and September 23, 2021. Each count of producing child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum of 30 years per count. If convicted, McDowell could spend decades behind bars.

The investigation was conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and the Wood County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities have not released the identity of the minor involved, citing privacy and sensitivity concerns.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman is prosecuting the case. Court records do not yet indicate whether McDowell has entered a plea or secured legal representation.

You are reminded that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The case against McDowell is part of a broader federal push to prosecute individuals involved in the production of child sexual abuse material.

The indictment was unsealed today as part of a larger wave of federal charges in the Western District of Wisconsin, highlighting ongoing law enforcement efforts to target violent and exploitative crimes at the federal level.

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