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 Shawn Griggs
573-526-6236
10/06/22
October 6, 2022

EMPHASIS: Two Northeast Missouri Men Arrested For Child Pornography 

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the following arrests after two separate child pornography distribution investigations. Members of the Division of Drug and Crime Control’s Digital Forensics Investigative Unit conducted both investigations.

On Monday, October 3, 2022, investigators executed a search warrant at the residence of Scott Thomas O’Brien, 20, on Austin Street in Moberly, Missouri. As a result of their search, investigators seized child pornography and computer equipment. O’Brien was arrested for promoting and possession of child pornography and transported to the Randolph County Jail. The Randolph County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged O’Brien with one count of promoting child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. O’Brien’s bond was set at $20,000. The Patrol was assisted by the Moberly Police Department and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office.


On Tuesday, October 4, 2022, investigators executed a search warrant at the residence of Gabriel Adam Cloutier, 38, on Center Street in Hannibal, Missouri. As a result of their search, investigators seized child pornography and computer equipment. Cloutier was arrested for possession of child pornography and transported to the Marion County Jail. On Wednesday, October 5, 2022, the Marion County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged Cloutier with three counts of possession of child pornography. Cloutier’s bond was set at $100,000. The Patrol was assisted by the Hannibal Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.


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 Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.


The above charges against O’Brien and Cloutier 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
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