Oregon man sentenced after years of cyberstalking young YouTuber
In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online predation, a 45-year-old Oregon man has been sentenced to 54 months in prison after cyberstalking a young YouTuber for six years and eventually showing up at her home in Ohio.
From online harassment to in-person threat
Timothy Nielsen, who began harassing the girl when she was just six years old and posting arts and crafts videos on YouTube, was arrested after he appeared barefoot and manic outside the girl’s home. Footage from the arrest shows Nielsen acting erratically, with local police intervening just as he trespassed onto the property.
When questioned by police, Nielsen offered an alarming explanation for his behavior. “I’m just trying to get a date with a girl on the internet,” he told officers. According to the girl’s father, the FBI had already been investigating Nielsen’s harassment of his 12-year-old daughter.
Years of predatory behavior
Nielsen’s predation involved creating fake social media accounts to contact the YouTuber, even going so far as to reach out to her friends in an attempt to get closer to her. This alarming behavior continued for years until his arrest.
Throughout the police interaction, Nielsen exhibited bizarre and unsettling behavior. When asked his name, he responded cryptically, “Ask little children.” He also claimed to be homeless and a truck driver, while making odd movements and incoherent statements.
“I’m in a nightmare, man,” Nielsen told officers. “I’ve been five years here, man, on the same girls. I don’t do any other girls, man. I’m not putting nobody in danger. I am not looking for sex. Maybe just a date for coffee or something, man. Maybe just to meet her. I’m a virgin,” he added.
Arrest and charges
Local authorities, working in conjunction with federal officials, connected Nielsen’s trespassing arrest to a broader sexual harassment investigation. He was ultimately charged with stalking and soliciting a sexual act from a minor.
In a chilling admission, Nielsen allegedly told police, “Twelve is too old, I was looking for a six-year-old.”
Following his legal proceedings, Nielsen was convicted on three counts of soliciting a minor to engage in sexual activity. He is currently serving a 54-month prison sentence and will be eligible for parole in 2026.
Family left in fear
As Nielsen serves his sentence, the young victim’s family remains on edge, fearful of potential future harassment when he is released.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk online, especially for vulnerable young users. Authorities urge parents to monitor their children’s internet activity closely and report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement immediately.
