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 R. Haslag
573-526-6302
04/10/2024
April 10, 2024
EMPHASIS:
Poplar Bluff, MO Man Arrested For Promoting And Possession Of Child Pornography
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of Joshua D. McKnight, 46, of Poplar Bluff, MO. McKnight was arrested on April 9, 2024, for possession of child pornography and promoting child pornography, following an investigation by the Special Victims Unit of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control.
In March of 2024, while conducting an on-line child pornography investigation, investigators with the Special Victim’s Unit of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control identified a device associated with the internet account of Joshua D. McKnight, which had distributed digital files identified as child pornography. On April 9, 2024, investigators executed a Butler County search warrant at the home of McKnight, located in Poplar Bluff, MO. During the search, investigators found digital files of child pornography, located on electronic devices, inside the residence. McKnight was arrested and transported to the Butler County Jail, where he was held, pending the filing of formal charges. On April 10, 2024, the Butler County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged McKnight with three (3) counts of possession of child pornography and one (1) count of promoting child pornography. He is being held in the Butler County Jail, with a $100,000.00 bond.
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.
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.
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