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
05/12/22
May 12, 2022

EMPHASIS: Perryville, MO, Man Arrested For Promoting Child Pornography

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of Cody Christopher French, 37, of Perryville, Missouri, on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, for promoting and possession of child pornography. The arrest was the result of an investigation conducted by members of the Division of Drug and Crime Control’s Digital Forensics Investigative Unit and the Missouri Digital Forensic Center.
On Tuesday, May 10, 2022, investigators executed a search warrant at French’s residence on Trishia Street, in Perryville, Missouri. As a result of their search, investigators seized child pornography and computer equipment. French was arrested and transported to the Perry County Jail.
On Wednesday, May 11, 2022, the Perry County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged French with four counts of promoting child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. French remains in custody at the Perry County Jail, with a bond of $100,000. The Patrol was assisted by the Perryville Police Department.
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 Missouri Digital Forensic Center is a joint effort of the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Missouri Department of Social Services, and the Missouri National Guard Counterdrug Program, and is coordinated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
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.
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