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
09092017
September 11, 2017

EMPHASIS: Man Arrested For Promoting Child Pornography In Jefferson City

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of Ben Joseph Hilkemeyer, 32, of Jefferson City, Missouri, for promoting and possession of child pornography on September 7, 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 and the Springfield Police Department. The Patrol was assisted by the Jefferson City Police Department.
On Wednesday, September 7, 2017, investigators executed a search warrant at Hilkemeyer’s residence located on the 300 block of West Ashley Street, in Jefferson City. As a result of the search warrant, investigators located child pornography and computer equipment used to commit the crimes. Hilkemeyer was arrested and transported to the Cole County Jail.
On Thursday, September 8, 2017, the Cole County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged Hilkemeyer with two counts of promoting child pornography in the first degree and five counts of possession of child pornography. Bond was set at $75,000.
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 State Cyber Crime Grant and the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
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.
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