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
06/20/2019
June 20, 2019

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

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of Austin Pointer, 28, of Malden, Missouri, on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, for promoting 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 Platte County Sheriff’s Office and the Western Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force.
On June 19, investigators executed a search warrant at Pointer’s residence located on East 2nd Street in Dearborn. As a result of their search, investigators seized child pornography and computer equipment. Pointer was arrested and transported to the Platte County Jail. The Platte County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged Pointer with one count of promoting child pornography. Pointer is currently being held without 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 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 charge is mere accusation and is not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of this charge must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
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