Woodbury Man Posed As Teen Online, Ran Sextortion Scheme, Feds Say

WOODBURY, MN — A Woodbury man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for what prosecutors described as a "massive," "deliberate," and "persistent" sextortion scheme that targeted dozens of children across multiple states.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, 38-year-old Timothy Lennard Gebhart used Instagram and Snapchat to pose as a teenager and solicit sexually explicit photos and videos from minors as young as 12.

Prosecutors say he operated the scheme from July 2021 through September 2023, using 66 different Snapchat aliases to hide his identity.

Investigators say Gebhart befriended his victims online before manipulating and coercing them into sending explicit content. After obtaining photos and videos, Gebhart threatened to release them to the victims’ classmates, friends, and family unless they provided more.

Prosecutors say he also sent disturbing videos of violent deaths to shock the children into complying.

In sentencing Gebhart to 360 months in prison, U.S. District Judge Jerry W. Blackwell referred to the conduct as a deliberate and persistent sextortion scheme. Gebhart will also serve 10 years of supervised release after his prison term.

The investigation involved the FBI, the Woodbury Police Department, and the Indiana State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Classen prosecuted the case.