Timothy McCulley, a 35-year-old resident of Escalon in San Joaquin County, was taken into custody following the return of a two-count indictment by a federal grand jury. The indictment charges him with production of child sexual abuse material, according to U.S. Attorney Eric Grant.
Court documents state that McCulley allegedly used a minor victim on November 9 and November 14, 2024, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing such material.
The investigation involved the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit from the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force. This unit includes participation from both the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department and Homeland Security Investigations. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shea J. Kenny.
If convicted, McCulley could face up to 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count related to production of child sexual abuse material. However, sentencing would ultimately be determined by the court after reviewing relevant statutory factors and considering Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which account for various circumstances in each case. It is noted that “the charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”
This matter is part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse across the country. Project Safe Childhood brings together resources from federal, state, and local agencies to find and prosecute individuals who exploit children as well as to help identify and rescue victims. Additional information about this program can be found at www.usdoj.gov/psc.
