A federal grand jury has indicted Craig Kimmel, 54, of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, on charges related to child exploitation. The indictment was announced by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania on August 7, 2025.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that the indictment alleges Kimmel attempted to produce a visual depiction involving the sexual exploitation of a child. The document also notes that Kimmel has a previous conviction in Schuylkill County for indecent assault and attempted statutory rape. This prior conviction raises the mandatory minimum sentence for the current charge to 25 years if he is found guilty. 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.
Federal law provides for penalties including up to life imprisonment, supervised release after incarceration, and fines for such offenses. Sentencing will be determined by a judge based on federal statutes and sentencing guidelines if there is a finding of guilt.
Authorities emphasized that indictments are allegations only; all individuals charged are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
