Craig Kimmel, 54, of Shenandoah, was indicted Wednesday by a federal grand jury for child exploitation offenses, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Acting U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus said the indictment alleges that Kimmel attempted to produce a visual depiction containing the sexual exploitation of a child.

The indictment states that Kimmel was previously convicted in Schuylkill County of indecent assault and attempted statutory rape, which increases the mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment on this count to 25 years. The indictment further charges Kimmel with coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in prostitution and any sexual activity for which he could be charged with a crime.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Dukes is prosecuting the case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is life in prison.

The 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.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.