MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

General Headquarters - P.O. Box 568, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102

News Release

For further information please contact: Lieutenant Eric Brown
573-526-6115
March 11, 2021

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

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of Derek B. Roberts, 41, of Clinton, Missouri, on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 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 Missouri Digital Forensic Center, and the Clinton Police Department.

On Wednesday, March 10, 2021, investigators attempted to contact Roberts at his residence in Clinton, Missouri, regarding an ongoing investigation. Later that day investigators contacted Roberts on East 14th Street, in Sedalia, Missouri. During their contact with Roberts, child pornography was located on his cellular telephone. Roberts was arrested and transported to the Pettis County Jail.

On Thursday, March 11, 2021, the Pettis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged Roberts with three counts of possession of child pornography. Roberts remains in custody at the Pettis County Jail with a bond of $50,000. The Clinton Police Department assisted the Patrol with 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 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.
(###)