On February 5, 2025, Zachary Peter Timm from Spokane, Washington, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison by United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice for distributing child sexual abuse material. In addition to the prison term, Timm received a sentence of 10 years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $48,000 in restitution to his victims.
The sentencing followed an investigation that began on February 21, 2023, when law enforcement received tips about Timm uploading child exploitation material online. A search warrant executed at his home led to the seizure of a computer and several smartphones containing over 13,000 files of child sexual abuse material. This included more than 1,000 videos depicting minors under the age of 12.
Further investigation revealed online chats where Timm discussed and exchanged child sexual abuse material with others. He also admitted to having sexually abused children in the past and expressed intentions to do so again.
“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that those who engage in the distribution of child sexual abuse material will be held fully accountable for their actions,” stated Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Murphy of HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “Protecting children is our top priority, and we are unwavering in our commitment to bringing those who exploit and harm them to justice."
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. The project utilizes resources from federal, state, and local agencies to prosecute offenders and rescue victims.
The investigation involved Homeland Security, Washington State Patrol, and Spokane Police Department as part of the Eastern Washington Missing and Exploited Children Task Force (MECTF), affiliated with Washington State Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC). Assistant United States Attorney Ann T. Wick prosecuted the case.