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
06282017
June 29, 2017
EMPHASIS:
West Plains Man Arrested For Promoting Child Pornography
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of Roger Dale Harrison, 63, of West Plains, Missouri, for promoting and possession of child pornography on June 27, 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 the West Plains Police Department and the Howell County Sheriff’s Office.
On Tuesday, June 27, 2017, investigators executed a search warrant at Harrison’s residence located in the 700 block of Independence Drive, in West Plains. As a result of the search warrant, investigators located child pornography and computer equipment used to commit the crimes. Harrison was arrested and transported to the Howell County Jail.
On Wednesday, June 28, 2017, the Howell County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged Harrison with promoting child pornography in the first degree and five counts of possession of child pornography. Bond was set at $100,000.
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.
(###)