GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – Timothy Vallier, 30, of Plainfield Township, appeared in federal court today on federal criminal charges of possession and attempted production of child pornography. The federal charges follow an investigation led by the Kent County Sheriff’s Department and the Michigan State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and joined by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The criminal complaint alleges that Vallier took hundreds of hidden videos of girls changing in locker rooms while he was the head rowing coach at the Rockford Public Schools and that a computer in his possession contained additional child pornography.
The government asked the court to detain Vallier pending trial, and he will remain in custody pending a hearing on the matter early next week. Vallier has been in state custody since July 10 on state charges. The state charges will be dismissed in light of the federal prosecution.
If convicted, Vallier faces a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison on each count of attempting to produce child pornography and up to 20 years for possession. Each offense also carries a requirement for sex offender registration, a potential fine of up to $250,000 and financial compensation to the victims, and up to life time on intensive supervised release after incarceration, during which the court can impose a number of special conditions designed to protect children.
HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196. Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST. For additional information about wanted suspected child predators, download HSI’s Operation Predator smartphone app or visit the online suspect alerts page.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tessa K. Hessmiller as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor’s offices, and federal, state, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement. For more information about Project Safe Childhood in West Michigan, including resources for children and parents, visit: http://www.justice.gov/usao/miw/programs/psc.html.
The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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