Minnesota Man Pleads Guilty in Teen Sexstortion Case

Timothy Lennard Gebhart, a 38-year-old from Woodbury, has pleaded guilty to multiple serious charges including child pornography production and distribution, as well as interstate communication with the intent to extort. This plea was entered in U.S. District Court in St. Paul following an extensive investigation involving several law enforcement agencies, including the Woodbury Police Department, the FBI, and others.

The accusations against Gebhart stem from a scheme he allegedly operated between July 2021 and March 2022, where he coerced two minors, aged 16 and 14, into engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Court documents revealed that he recorded these acts to create pornographic videos and subsequently shared them using his phone and computer.

In addition to producing and distributing child pornography, Gebhart reportedly used the videos as a means of blackmail. He threatened to expose the sexually explicit content to the victims' families and friends unless the 16-year-old victim provided him with money and other valuable items.

Following his guilty plea, Gebhart is now facing significant prison time, with a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 15 years. A sentencing date has yet to be announced.

For individuals affected by sexual violence, support resources are available. The RAINN website and the national hotline, 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673), offer assistance and guidance for those in need.