Former Polson Police officer admits to child sexual abuse
Matthew Timm
Judge John Larson of Missoula set a sentencing date of July 10 in Lake County for former Polson Police officer Matthew Timm, who admitted to knowingly photographing and filming a girl under the age of 18 between January 2017 and March 2023.
Timm, 42, admitted to the elements of the related charges and that he acted “knowingly and for his own sexual gratification,” as outlined in the eight-page plea agreement signed April 8. Timm made his appearance via Zoom from the Sanders County Jail, where he had served most of the 576 days he had been imprisoned as of April 10.
The charges were filed after an individual found a flash drive that was located in the home of the victim, and contained images of her.
The victim indicated Timm had started touching her in a sexual manner when she was 12 or 13 years old and said that behavior continued into her high school years. The victim also indicated she had previously caught Timm filming her when he secretly placed recording devices in her bathroom.
The plea agreement calls for a joint recommendation of 40 years in the Montana State Prison, 30 years suspended, and a 10-year parole restriction, meaning he’d have to serve 10 years in prison before being eligible for parole.
The case was investigated by the Division of Criminal Investigation and Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The state was represented by Dan Guzynski with the Montana Attorney General’s Office and Timm was represented by Ben Darrow with the Montana Public Defender’s office. Timm, the two attorneys and Judge Larson appeared for the hearing via Zoom.
The Polson Police Department issued a statement last Thursday, expressing support for the victim and her family.
“Their courage in coming forward has been instrumental in seeking justice,” wrote Polson Police Chief George Simpson. “No one should endure such harm, especially at the hands of someone entrusted with public service.”
“We recognize the immense strength it takes to speak out, and we remain committed to ensuring that survivors are heard, supported and protected,” he said.