MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Troop B Headquarters - 308 Pine Crest Drive - Macon, Missouri 63552

NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sergeant Eric F. Brown
660-385-2132
B17036
April 19, 2017

EMPHASIS: Moberly Man Arrest For Child Pornography Offenses

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of Joseph Allen Schmitt, age 19, of Moberly, Missouri, for promoting child pornography on April 18, 2017. 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 Troop B Division of Drug and Crime Control and the Moberly Police Department.
On Tuesday, April 18, 2017, investigators executed a search warrant at Schmitt’s residence located in the 1300 block of Henry Street, in Moberly. As a result of the search warrant, investigators located child pornography and computer equipment used to commit the crime. Schmitt was arrested and transported to the Randolph County Justice Center in Huntsville, Missouri.
On April 19, 2017, the Randolph County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged Schmitt with possession of child pornography - first offense, child molestation - first degree, and statutory sodomy or attempted statutory sodomy - deviate sexual intercourse - person less than 12 years old. Bond was set at $500,000 cash only. This investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible.
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’s State Cyber Crime Grant and the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
The charges filed are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before of court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
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