SHP-715M 01/07
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
09/01/2023
September 1, 2023
EMPHASIS:
Farmington, Missouri, Man Arrested For Possession Of Child Pornography
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of Kaleb L. Curtis, 23, of Farmington, Missouri. Curtis was taken into custody on August 31, 2023, for three counts of possession of child pornography following an investigation by the Division of Drug and Crime Control’s Digital Forensics Investigative Unit.
In August 2022, investigators received a cyber tip that the user of a social media account had uploaded a video identified as child pornography. Criminal investigators worked to identify the person responsible by executing multiple search warrants. Investigators ultimately determined the IP address, and after further investigation interviewed Curtis. The Missouri Digital Forensics Center performed a forensic examination of a cellular telephone and desktop computer owned by Curtis, pursuant to a St. Francois County search warrant. On August 31, 2023, investigators located several images of child pornography on Curtis’ cellular telephone.
On August 31, 2023, the St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged Curtis with three counts of possession of child pornography and a warrant was issued for his arrest. On August 31, 2023, Curtis turned himself in to the St. Francois County Sheriff and has posted a $50,000 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 accusation 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.
Follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on Twitter @MSHPTrooperDDCC
(###)