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
01/14/2022
January 14, 2022

EMPHASIS: Farmington, MO, Man Arrested For Promoting Child Pornography

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of Joshua Hammers, 22, of Farmington, Missouri, on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, for promoting and 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 and the Missouri Digital Forensic Center.
On Wednesday, January 12, 2022, investigators executed a search warrant at Hammers’ residence on Hyler Drive, Farmington, Missouri. As a result of the search, investigators located child pornography on his cellular telephone. Hammers was arrested and transported to the St. Francois County Jail.
On Thursday, January 12, 2022, the St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged Hammers with one count of promoting child pornography and five counts of possession of child pornography. The investigation by the Division of Drug and Crime Control is ongoing. Hammers remains in custody at the St. Francois County Jail with a bond of $250,000. The Patrol was assisted by the Farmington Police Department.
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 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.
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