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
03/19/2021
March 19, 2021

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

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of Joseph A. Morgan, 46, of Fredericktown, Missouri, on Wednesday, March 17, 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 and the Missouri Digital Forensic Center.
On Wednesday, March 17, 2021, investigators executed a search warrant at Morgan’s residence located on Baker Street in Fredericktown. As a result of the search, investigators seized child pornography and computer equipment. Morgan was arrested and transported to the Madison County Jail.
On Thursday, March 18, 2021, the Madison County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged Morgan with three counts of possession of child pornography. Morgan remains in custody at the Madison County Jail with a bond of $250,000.
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.
(###)