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MARYVILLE

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News Brief

May 5, 2025

Routine traffic stop in Chillicothe led to a major child exploitation investigation

A routine traffic stop in Chillicothe has led to a major child exploitation investigation, according to a release from the Chillicothe Police Department.

On June 22, 2024, officers stopped a vehicle driven by a 21-year-old man wanted for driving while suspended. During the arrest, police found suspected cocaine residue and drug paraphernalia. A phone found on the suspect was sent to the Electronics Crime Lab for further analysis.

Months later, on April 3, 2025, the lab reported uncovering over 200 digital files containing child pornography on the device, including images and videos of minors under the age of 14 in sexually explicit situations.

Chillicothe detectives filed felony charges for possession of child pornography, and a no-bond warrant was issued by Judge Leamer on April 25. The suspect was arrested later that day in Hamilton, with the help of Hamilton Police and is currently being held in the Caldwell County Detention Center.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and has expanded to include cooperation with state and federal agencies in both Missouri and Kansas, due to the suspect’s transient lifestyle. Detectives are working to identify potential victims.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Bowlen at the Chillicothe Police Department at 660-646-2121 or report tips to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.