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
08/18/2023
August 18, 2023
EMPHASIS:
Branson, Missouri, Man Arrested For Possession Of Child Pornography
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of Nicholas Dean Johnson, 39, of Branson, Missouri. Johnson was arrested on August 15, 2023, for three counts of possession of child pornography, following an investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control/Digital Forensic Investigations Unit.
On August 15, 2023, investigators with the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control executed a search warrant at Johnson’s Taney County home where they seized a laptop computer. Upon examination, investigators found the laptop contained three videos of child pornography. Johnson was arrested following the execution of the search warrant and on August 16, 2023, the Taney County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Johnson with three counts of possession of child pornography. Johnson is currently being held in the Taney County Jail, with no bond.
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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