LDS Bishop Arrested for Child Pornography and Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

Investigators believe LDS bishop Timothy Jame Hallows, 61, of Kaysville, Utah, was arrested for distributing child pornography and allegedly enticement of a child for sexual abuse. Hallows, who served as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was held without bail in Davis County after his arrest. The charges were initially eight counts of distributing child pornography but were amended to sexual exploitation of a minor. Probable cause documents indicate that Hallows was contacted by law enforcement after a tip led them to his IP address. Investigators believe his position of trust as a bishop, which involves private meetings with children, raises concerns about his potential threat to the community.

Law enforcement officials have stated that additional charges are expected as the investigation continues. Hallows was removed from his position as bishop of his Kaysville ward. During interviews following his arrest, Hallows reportedly waived his Miranda rights and admitted to distributing child sexual abuse images via Skype. He also admitted to owning an unknown number of such images, estimating the total to be over 100. He stated that he used the images for sexual gratification.

Hallows declined to take a polygraph test regarding physical or sexual contact with young children. However, he claimed he had “done nothing regarding sexual contact with children long term.” He described camping trips with children, where he took pictures, expressing that this could lead to a failed polygraph. These trips occurred while he was serving as a bishop in the LDS church. Investigators believe he has had sexual contact with children, based on his statements and the evidence found during forensics investigations.

Forensic analysis uncovered thousands of images of pornography, including many depicting child sexual abuse. The documents detail eight of the found images involving a prepubescent girl, some with an adult, presumably corresponding to the eight charges outlined in the probable cause. Investigators noted that Hallows holds a position of trust in the community as a bishop, granting him unfettered access to children in his congregation and in private. His statements have led authorities to believe he has had sexual contact with children.

Hallows travels frequently and conducted this behavior in other states, according to the documents. Investigators will continue to follow up on forensic findings and potential interviews with children. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has not issued a public statement regarding the matter.

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