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
0726201901
July 26, 2019

EMPHASIS: Two-Day Operation Results In Two Park Hills, MO, Men Arrested For Child Pornography

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the results of a two-day operation conducted in St. Francois County. The operation resulted in the arrest of two unassociated men of Park Hills, Missouri. Shaun M. Braswell, 40, was arrested on Wednesday, July 24, 2019, for promoting child pornography, and Tony B. Hastings, 63, was arrested on Thursday, July 25, 2019, for possession of child pornography. Both arrests were the result of investigations conducted by members of the Division of Drug and Crime Control’s Digital Forensics Investigative Unit. During the operation, the Patrol was assisted by the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Office and the Park Hills Police Department.
On Wednesday, investigators executed a search warrant at Braswell’s residence located on Westwind Drive in Park Hills. As a result of their search, investigators seized evidence of child pornography and computer equipment. Braswell was arrested and transported to the St. Francois County Jail. On Thursday, July 25, 2019, the St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged Braswell with one count of promoting child pornography. Braswell’s bond was set at $50,000.
On Thursday, investigators executed a search warrant at Hastings’ residence located on Mill Street in Park Hills. As a result of their search, investigators seized evidence of child pornography and computer equipment. Hastings was arrested and transported to the St. Francois County Jail. On Friday, July 26, 2019, the St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged Hastings with one count of possession of child pornography. Hastings’ bond was set at $30,000.
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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