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 Shawn Griggs
573-526-6236
051220-01
May 13, 2020

EMPHASIS: Farmington, Missouri, Man Arrested For Possession Of Child Pornography

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of Michael Blaies, 46, of Farmington, Missouri, on Monday, May 11, 2020, for possession of child pornography. The arrest was the result of an investigation conducted by members of the Division of Drug and Crime Control’s Digital Forensics Investigative Unit. The Patrol was assisted by the Missouri Digital Forensic Center.
On May 11, 2020, investigators executed a search warrant at Blaies’ residence located on John David Drive, in Farmington. As a result of the search, investigators seized child pornography and computer equipment. Blaies was arrested and transported to the St. Francois County Jail. On May 12, 2020, the St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged Blaies with three counts of possession of child pornography. Blaies’ bond was set at $100,000.
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 Digital Forensics Investigative Unit is partially funded by the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The Missouri Digital Forensic Center is a joint effort of the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Missouri Department of Social Services, and the Missouri National Guard Counterdrug Program, and is coordinated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
The above charges are mere accusations 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.
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