A former substitute teacher has pleaded guilty to charges of sexual exploitation of minors and receipt of child pornography, according to an April 8 announcement from Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan.
The case concerns Timothy Higle, age 34 and formerly of Clawson, Michigan. Court records show that Higle solicited nude images and sexually explicit videos from minors using Snapchat. In exchange for these materials, he paid the victims through Cashapp and Venmo. On one occasion, he also provided a minor with a vape pen and marijuana cartridge. The victims were between 14 and 17 years old at the time.
Authorities became aware of Higle’s actions after one victim contacted the Michigan State Police in August 2024. Law enforcement has not found evidence that Higle engaged in this conduct while working as a teacher; however, officials encourage anyone who believes they may have been affected or knows someone who might be a victim 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.
Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office said: “The defendant had a choice, and he chose to exploit children and betray public trust. 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 fifteen years in federal prison when sentenced on August 11.
