In a decisive attack on the underground child exploitation trade, Maricopa County has dealt a major blow to one of its purveyors. Timothy Barton McGee, born in January 1968, was convicted of possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and sentenced to 170 years in prison.

The Maricopa County Attorney's Office, led by Rachel Mitchell, announced the verdict on March 1. Mr Magee was found to be in possession of more than 1,800 CSAM files and was found guilty on January 11 this year. In a case marked by painstaking criminal work and unwavering determination by the prosecution, Magee's punishment was delivered swiftly and with a clear message. Such violators will be severely punished. “These crimes are committed in the shadows, but it's up to us to shine a light and ensure these predators are held accountable,” Mitchell said. the Maricopa County Attorney's Office said in a release..

The investigation into McGee's misconduct began in 2019 and 2020 after Phoenix police received multiple cybertips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. A subsequent investigation revealed that two Dropbox accounts filled with damning evidence of sexual abuse were associated with an IP address registered to McGee. Residence.by official statement According to the county attorney's office, these Dropbox accounts were frequently accessed from various locations associated with McGee, including his home, church, and work.

Detectives executing a search warrant on June 9, 2020 discovered more CSAM files on McGee's laptop. Rachel Mitchell expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the trial and stressed the importance of punishment. “This sentence is appropriate given the defendant's lack of remorse for his actions.” She also made the same statement The County Attorney's Office praised law enforcement's efforts to neutralize the threat to children and the community.

The Maricopa County Attorney's Office urges anyone with information about CSAM or child sexual exploitation to contact local law enforcement or report it through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at CyberTipline.org I am calling on you to do so. As McGee faces the consequences of his actions, officials hope his punishment will serve as a deterrent and a beacon of justice for the invisible victims of such heinous crimes. .