MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Division of Drug and Crime Control-P.O. Box 568, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102
News Release
For further information please contact:
Sergeant Darrin Haslag
573-526-6302
11/20/2023
November 20, 2023
EMPHASIS:
Bismarck, Missouri, Man Arrested For Child Molestation
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of Michael E. Barton, 43, of Bismarck, Missouri. Barton was formally charged on November 16, 2023, by the Washington County Prosecuting Attorney with child molestation, statutory sodomy, and two counts of sexual exploitation of a child following an investigation by the Division of Drug and Crime Control’s Digital Forensics Investigative Unit. Missouri State Park Rangers assisted in the investigation.
On November 12, 2023, investigators with the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control were contacted by Missouri State Park Rangers to assist with an ongoing investigation involving Michael E. Barton, who rangers had arrested earlier in Elephant Rocks State Park in Iron County. At the time of his arrest, Barton was in the company of two children, who investigators suspected could be victims of sexual abuse based on information obtained during a consensual search of Barton’s cellular telephones. Investigators obtained a search warrant for Barton’s phones which revealed evidence of sexual abuse committed by Barton against the children. On November 16, 2023, the Washington County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Barton with child molestation, statutory sodomy, and two counts of sexual exploitation of a child. Barton is currently being held in the Madison County Jail, with no bond. This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information regarding Barton is encouraged to contact Corporal Dustin Reed with the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control at (573) 431-0166 ext. 4320.
The Division of Drug and Crime Control encourages internet users to promptly report to the Patrol or local law enforcement anyone who attempts to engage in unwanted, inappropriate, or sexualized communications with children.
The above charges are mere accusation and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
Follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on X @MSHPTrooperDDCC
(###
)