Bahl Sentenced to 55 Years in Child Porn Case Built by OPD

A Graham man was sentenced last week to 55 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple child pornography charges, the Olney Police Department said in a statement.

William Michael Bahl II, 54, entered the plea following a lengthy investigation that began with a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). OPD investigators traced the evidence to Mr. Bahl, who was arrested twice – initially in late 2024 and again in January, when multiple felony charges were added, jail records show.

“This conviction is the result of a thorough and dedicated investigation conducted by members of our department,” OPD said in a statement. “Our officers worked diligently to uncover and document evidence that led to this outcome, ensuring that justice was served for the victims involved. This sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and the commitment of our department to protect children and hold offenders accountable.”

The case began last November, when OPD received two NCMEC tips that an unknown user in the Olney area had sent videos of child pornography and bestiality over the Kik Messenger app. Detective Autumn Thames, now serving as Olney’s Interim po- lice chief, traced the IP addresses to Mr. Bahl’s phone.

Police obtained a search warrant for Mr. Bahl’s Graham home on Nov. 12, seizing his cellphone and other electronic devices. The search revealed numerous illegal videos and images of minors engaged in sex acts.

Mr. Bahl was first arrested on Nov. 27 on four charges of possession and intent to distribute child pornography. He was taken into custody at his Olney workplace but was later released on $600,000 bond.

A second arrest followed on Jan. 6, after investigators uncovered even more evidence from Mr. Bahl’s social media accounts. He was booked into the Young County Jail on 12 additional warrants and has since been held on $2.7 million bail.

Former Olney Police Chief Dan Birbeck praised Interim Chief Thames for pursuing the case relentlessly.

“From a single tip through NCMEC, Interim Chief Thames turned determination into justice— relentlessly working this case until it was a slam dunk for the DA,” Mr. Birbeck, now chief of police for the City of Vernon, said. “Sadly most of his victims will never know they got a little justice today. But this is what tireless dedication and true police work look like. Great job, Chief Thames!”

The department said Bahl’s sentencing demonstrates its commitment to protecting children in Olney and the surrounding communities.

“Our community’s safety—especially the safety of our children— remains our top priority,” OPD said. “We urge anyone with information about child exploitation or suspicious activity to come forward. Vigilance and reporting are critical in protecting the most vulnerable among us.”

Tips can be reported to the Olney Police Department at 940-2762013. In emergencies, residents are urged to dial 911 immediately.