A former substitute teacher, Timothy Higle, pleaded guilty on Apr. 8 to charges of sexual exploitation of minors and receipt of child pornography, according to Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan.
The case is significant because it involves an individual who had previously worked in a position of trust with children. Law enforcement authorities said Higle’s actions highlight concerns about the safety and well-being of minors who interact with adults in educational settings.
According to court records, Higle solicited nude images and sexually explicit videos from minors using Snapchat. He paid the victims through Cashapp and Venmo for producing these images and videos. In one instance, he also provided a minor with a vape pen containing marijuana. The victims were between 14 and 17 years old at the time of the incidents. Authorities became aware of his conduct after one victim contacted Michigan State Police in August 2024.
Officials said there is no evidence that Higle engaged in this behavior while working as a teacher. However, they encouraged anyone who believes they may have been a victim or knows someone who may be affected to contact the FBI at (313) 965-2323.
“This is disgusting behavior for anyone. But we entrust teachers with our children, so it is especially alarming when one of them preys on children,” said Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan.
“The defendant had a choice, and he chose to exploit children and betray public trust,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “We are grateful for the bravery of the individual who came forward and reported this to our law enforcement partners at the Michigan State Police. Our dedicated team from the FBI Oakland County Resident Agency worked diligently to investigate this case, and this guilty plea represents an important step toward accountability.”
Higle faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 11.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Michigan State Police investigated this case; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ann Nee and Sean King are prosecuting.
