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
09/21/2023
September 21, 2023
EMPHASIS:
Warrensburg, Missouri, Man Arrested For Possession Of Child Pornography And Sexual Exploitation Of A Child
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of John P. Skelly, 47, of Warrensburg, Missouri. Skelly was arrested on September 20, 2023, for one count of promoting child pornography, three counts of possession of child pornography, and one count of sexual exploitation of a child, following an investigation by the Division of Drug and Crime Control’s Digital Forensics Investigations Unit.
On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, investigators executed a search warrant at Skelly’s residence in Warrensburg, Missouri. During the execution of the search warrant, investigators discovered child pornography on Skelly’s cellular telephone and computer. Skelly was interviewed and admitted to having downloaded and shared child pornography, using his electronic devices. Following the interview, Skelly was placed under arrest and transported to the Johnson County jail where he was held, pending the filing of formal charges. On September 21, 2023, the Johnson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged Skelly with one count of promoting child pornography, three counts of possession of child pornography, and one count of sexual exploitation of a child. Skelly is currently being held in the Johnson County Jail on a $50,000 cash only bond. The Warrensburg (Missouri) Police Department assisted in the investigation.
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 Twitter @MSHPTrooperDDCC
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