MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
Department of Public Safety
Division of Drug and Crime Control - P.O. Box 568, Jefferson City, MO 65102
NEWS RELEASE
For further information please contact:
Sgt. Bradley R. Germann - 573-526-6122
07/24/2025
July 24, 2025
EMPHASIS:
St. Francois County, MO, Man Arrested For Child Sex Crimes
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) announces the arrest of Nathan M. Dowdy, 23, of Farmington, MO, for child sex crimes following an investigation by the DDCC Special Victims Unit (SVU).
In June 2025, while conducting an online child pornography investigation, SVU investigators obtained a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children indicating an online user had uploaded numerous sexually explicit videos identified as child pornography. Through a thorough investigation, Dowdy was identified as the suspect.
On July 23, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in Farmington, MO. Investigators contacted and interviewed Dowdy, and evidence was seized. As a result, Dowdy was arrested and transported to the St. Francois County Jail.
On July 24, 2025, the St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Dowdy with two counts of felony Possession of Child Pornography and one count of felony Promoting Child Pornography. He is being held at the St. Francois County Jail on a $100,000.00 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 charges for which the above individual was arrested are mere accusations and 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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