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
04/22/2019
April 22, 2019

EMPHASIS: Further Forensic Examination Reveals Additional Crimes

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces additional charges for Matthew R. Pohlman, 44, of Independence, Missouri. On Thursday, March 21, 2019, investigators of the Division of Drug and Crime Control’s Digital Forensics Investigative Unit executed a search warrant at Pohlman’s residence. As a result of their investigation, the Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Pohlman with three counts of possession of child pornography. The Patrol was assisted by Independence Police Department. For further information on the March 21, 2019, arrest, please click the link below.
https://notes.mshp.dps.mo.gov/si01/si01p001.nsf/9300de8f24f618a68625729800536892/ba692d47d8a3447f862583c50067765a?OpenDocument

During their search of Pohlman’s residence on March 21, 2019, investigators seized child pornography and computer equipment, which was suspected to have been used to commit the crimes. The seized computer equipment was transported to Jefferson City, Missouri, by Division of Drug and Crime Control’s Digital Forensics Investigative Unit, for further forensic examination in accordance with the search warrant.
In the weeks following, investigators continued to examine Pohlman’s computer equipment and electronic devices. During the days of examinations, thousands of files were reviewed. Officers observed numerous files which led them to believe Pohlman was not only in possession of further child pornography, but that he was also manufacturing child pornography and participating in the sexual exploitation of minors. Based upon their forensic examination and further investigation, investigators were able to identify the victims of these crimes. After locating the victims, officers were able to meet with and interview the victims. The investigation indicated Pohlman committed these sex crimes over a 10-year span, and in more than one county.
On Thursday, April 19, 2019, officers of the Independence Police Department and investigators of the Division of Drug and Crime Control’s Digital Forensics Investigative Unit, responded to Pohlman’s residence located on East 51st Street South, in Independence. Pohlman was arrested without incident and transported to the Independence Police Department Jail.
The Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged Pohlman with first degree child molestation, first degree statutory rape, two counts of first degree statutory sodomy, second degree statutory rape, and second degree statutory sodomy. Pohlman’s bond was set at $100,000, cash only. He is currently being held at the Jackson County Detention Center. The investigation continues by the Division of Drug and Crime Control’s Digital Forensics Investigative Unit and additional charges may be sought in other counties.
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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