Eagan-Based Homeland Security Agent Charged With Production Of Child Sexual Abuse Material

EAGAN, MN — A federal agent based in Minnesota has been arrested and charged in U.S. Court with producing child pornography, officials announced Wednesday.

Timothy Ryan Gregg, 51, of Eagan, was charged in a federal complaint with attempting to coerce and entice a minor into sexually explicit acts for the purpose of creating child sexual abuse material, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Gregg is a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations and also worked as a task force officer with the FBI, authorities said.

According to court documents, the minor’s father discovered multiple explicit photos and videos on the child’s phone. The content reportedly depicted the minor engaged in sexual activity with an older man, who was later identified as Gregg, authorities said.

"The U.S. Attorney’s Office will always hold defendants in positions of public trust to account, particularly when they commit crimes against vulnerable children," said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson in a statement. "I am proud of the swift and decisive action of the FBI and the Rochester Police Department."

FBI Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. added, “There is no place in law enforcement — or in any position of public trust — for those who exploit minors.”

Gregg made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court on Wednesday and was ordered to remain in custody pending further proceedings.

The FBI and Rochester Police Department led the investigation. Homeland Security Investigations assisted with the arrest.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Harry M. Jacobs is prosecuting the case..

The case echoes other recent criminal charges involving law enforcement officers accused of preying on children.

In May, Minnesota State Trooper Jeremy Plonski was charged in both state and federal court in a disturbing child abuse case linked to the social media app "Kik."