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
1121201901
November 21, 2019

EMPHASIS: Richmond, Missouri, Man Arrested For Promoting Child Pornography

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of Peyton J. Downs, 25, of Richmond, Missouri, on Wednesday, November 20, 2019, 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.
On November 20, 2019, investigators executed a search warrant at Downs’ residence located on Bruns Road, in Richmond. As a result of their search, investigators seized child pornography and computer equipment. Downs was arrested and transported to the Ray County Jail. The Ray County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged Downs with one count of promoting child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography. Downs’ 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 Department of Public Safety State Cyber Crime Grant and the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
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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