Minnesota Man Pleads Guilty in Teen Sexstortion Case

Timothy Lennard Gebhart, a 38-year-old from Woodbury, Minnesota, has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Paul to multiple charges including two counts of child pornography production, one count of distribution, and one count of interstate communication with intent to extort. According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office of Minnesota, the alleged crimes took place between July 2021 and March 2022.

The investigation leading to Gebhart's charges was a collaborative effort involving several law enforcement agencies, including the Woodbury Police Department, the Indiana State Police, and the FBI. Court documents reveal that he coerced a 16-year-old and a 14-year-old into participating in sexually explicit conduct, which he filmed and shared over his phone and computer.

In addition to producing and distributing child pornography, Gebhart reportedly used the footage to blackmail the older victim, demanding money and other items under the threat of exposing the videos to their family and friends. This predatory behavior has serious implications for the victims involved.

Following his guilty plea, Gebhart is facing a mandatory prison sentence of at least 15 years, with a sentencing date yet to be determined. The case underscores the severe consequences of exploiting vulnerable individuals and highlights the ongoing efforts by authorities to combat such criminal behavior.

For those affected by sexual assault, resources are available through organizations like the RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network). They provide support through their hotline at 800-656-HOPE, fostering a safe space for survivors to seek help.