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
06172019
June 17, 2019

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

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of Earl P. Tibbs, 52, of Malden, Missouri, on Thursday, June 13, 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. The Patrol was assisted by the Malden Police Department.

On June 13, investigators executed a search warrant at Tibbs’ residence located on Missouri Highway 25 in Malden. As a result of their search, investigators seized child pornography and computer equipment. Tibbs was arrested and transported to the Dunklin County Jail. The Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged Tibbs with one count of promoting child pornography and four counts of possession of child pornography. Tibbs bond was set at $25,000.

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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