Craig Kimmel, 54, of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for offenses related to child exploitation. The indictment was announced by Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus on August 7, 2025.
According to the announcement, the indictment alleges that Kimmel attempted to produce a visual depiction involving the sexual exploitation of a child. It also states that he was previously convicted in Schuylkill County of indecent assault and attempted statutory rape. Due to these prior convictions, the mandatory minimum sentence for this charge increases to 25 years in prison. Additionally, Kimmel is charged with coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in prostitution or other criminal sexual activity.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Dukes is handling the prosecution.
“This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc,” according to officials.
If convicted under federal law for these offenses, Kimmel could face up to life imprisonment as well as supervised release after incarceration and fines. Sentencing would be determined by a judge considering federal statutes and sentencing guidelines.
Authorities remind that indictments are only allegations at this stage; all individuals charged are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
