Richland County, SC – Authorities have confirmed that 24-year-old Timothy Ulness, who was already facing charges related to a recent kidnapping case, has been arrested again—this time in connection with the possession of sexually explicit material involving children.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) reports that Ulness was taken into custody on August 11, 2025, by members of the RCSD Fugitive Task Force and Special Response Team. The arrest followed the execution of a warrant obtained after investigators uncovered hundreds of disturbing files during a search of Ulness’s cell phone.
The discovery came as part of an ongoing investigation that began after Ulness’s arrest on August 5, 2025, for an unrelated kidnapping case. At that time, investigators seized his phone, which was later analyzed by digital forensic experts. Their review revealed hundreds of images and videos depicting sexually explicit acts involving children, spanning multiple victims and apparent sources.
Sheriff Leon Lott confirmed that Ulness is now formally charged with Third Degree Exploitation of a Minor, and emphasized that additional charges are expected as investigators continue reviewing the evidence. “These crimes are serious, and the harm caused to these children is immeasurable,” Lott stated. “We will make sure every possible charge is brought to hold this suspect fully accountable.”
Following his arrest, Ulness was transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, where he is being held pending his next court appearance. Sheriff Lott has announced his intent to personally attend Ulness’s upcoming bond hearing to advocate for what he called “an appropriate bond” given the severity of the allegations and the defendant’s prior arrest.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department has urged anyone with information about the suspect or the origins of the illicit material to come forward, stressing that the investigation spans multiple jurisdictions and could involve victims from outside the immediate area.
“This is an active and ongoing case,” the sheriff’s office stated. “Our priority is protecting children and ensuring that anyone involved in this exploitation is brought to justice.”
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