OWENSBORO, KY – Two men are facing federal charges after a sting operation dubbed “Operation Angel” uncovered their alleged involvement in the exploitation of children. The U.S. Secret Service took the lead on the multi-agency effort, bringing down Timothy Richard Simone, 41, of Utica, Kentucky, and Bradley Linderman, 34, of Georgetown, Indiana.
The joint operation, involving the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, the Kentucky State Police, and the Owensboro Police Department, targeted predators operating in the Owensboro area. Details released by authorities reveal a disturbing pattern of online grooming and attempted exploitation.
Timothy Richard Simone is charged with attempted enticement of a minor and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. If convicted, Simone faces a minimum of 10 years in prison for the enticement charge and up to 10 years for the obscenity charge. However, the maximum penalty Simone could receive is a life sentence. Court documents do not reveal the age of the alleged victim(s).
Bradley Linderman faces even more severe potential consequences. He is accused of travelling across state lines with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor, attempted enticement of a minor, and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. Linderman could receive not less than 10 years’ imprisonment for the enticement charge, not more than 30 years’ imprisonment for the interstate travel charge, and not more than 10 years’ imprisonment for the obscenity charge. Like Simone, he faces a potential life sentence if convicted.
Both defendants are scheduled to be arraigned on November 23, 2021, before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Brent Brennenstuhl in Owensboro. Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Spencer McKiness is handling the prosecution. Authorities emphasize that an indictment is merely an accusation, and both men are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative launched in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation. The Secret Service, along with its partners, continues to aggressively pursue these predators, aiming to rescue victims and bring offenders to justice. The agency has not released details on how the operation identified the suspects, only that it involved undercover law enforcement activity.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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