A Mankato man, Mitchell Ray Williams, has been indicted on several charges related to child sexual exploitation. Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick announced the charges against Williams, aged 39, who is accused of engaging minor victims in sexually explicit conduct for producing child sexual abuse material videos in October 2024.
Court documents reveal that between October 1 and November 1, 2024, Williams allegedly possessed and advertised visual depictions of minors involved in sexually explicit acts. The indictment includes one count each of production and attempted production of child pornography, advertisement of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
Williams made his initial court appearance on February 5, 2025. Magistrate Judge Douglas L. Micko ordered him to remain in custody pending further proceedings. An arraignment hearing is set for March 11, 2025.
The FBI conducted the investigation as part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative launched in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. This program aims to locate and prosecute offenders while rescuing victims by coordinating federal, state, and local resources.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristian Weir is handling the prosecution. It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation; Williams remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
