Page 1 of 1
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
02/13/2024
February 13, 2024
EMPHASIS:
Kennett, Missouri, Man Arrested For Promoting Child Pornography
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of Matthew Tyler Hammond, 31, of Kennett, Missouri. Hammond was arrested on February 8, 2024, for promoting child pornography, following an investigation by the Special Victims Unit of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control. The State Technical Assistance Team (STAT) assisted in the investigation.
On Thursday, February 8, 2024, investigators contacted Matthew Hammond, at his Kennett, Missouri home, after they had developed information indicating Hammond had distributed child pornography files on-line. Investigators also executed a Dunklin County search warrant, at Hammond’s home, in conjunction with their investigation. During the search of Hammond’s home, investigators discovered evidence to support he had distributed child pornography, on-line. Hammond was taken into custody and transported to the Dunklin County Jail, where he was held, pending the filing of formal charges. On February 8, 2024, the Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Hammond with promoting child pornography. He is currently being held in the Dunklin County jail, with an $85,000.00 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.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is hiring! The Patrol offers over 60 career paths. For current openings, visit
https://bit.ly/MSHPCareers
to apply today.
For more news, follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on X @MSHPTrooperDDCC
(###)