ROCHESTER — A 43-year-old Rochester man, John Timmerman, has been arrested on multiple felony charges after an extensive investigation by the Rochester Police Department (RPD). Timmerman is accused of having more than 150 victims across various states and countries.
The charges include child solicitation, sexual extortion, and using a minor in a sexual performance, as stated in an RPD news release. His arrest is part of the department’s largest cyber investigation into coercion, exploitation, and the production of child sexual abuse material.
The RPD’s Technology Forensic Unit began its investigation last November. As detectives continue to review evidence, they expect to identify more victims in the case.
Timmerman is scheduled for arraignment on Thursday, February 27, in Olmsted County District Court.
“Sex crimes like this are incredibly complex and disturbing, and unfortunately, we’re seeing an increase in such cases,” said RPD Police Chief Jim Franklin.
Assisting in the investigation are the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
