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 Darrin Haslag
573-526-6302
01/11/2024
January 11, 2024
EMPHASIS:
Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, Man Arrested For Possession Of Child Pornography
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of Kristopher B. McNelis, 24, of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. McNelis was arrested on January 10, 2024, for possession of child pornography following an investigation by the Digital Forensics Investigative Unit of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control. The State Technical Assistance Team assisted in the investigation.
On Wednesday, January 10, 2024, investigators contacted McNelis as part of an ongoing child exploitation investigation. This investigation was triggered by a cyber tip, which investigators had received from his wireless provider, indicating an account associated with McNelis contained child pornography. Investigators conducted a preliminary examination of McNelis’ cellular telephone, pursuant to a Ste. Genevieve County search warrant, and located digital files of child pornography. McNelis was taken into custody and transported to the Ste. Genevieve County Jail, where he was held, pending the filing of formal charges.
On January 11, 2024, the Ste. Genevieve County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged McNelis with five (5) counts of possession of child pornography. McNelis is currently being held in the Ste. Genevieve County Jail, with a $150,000.00 cash only 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 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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