Missourian arrested for child sex trafficking, possession of child pornography

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of 29-year-old  Matthew J. Maggard of Collins, Missouri in St. Clair County. 

Maggard was arrested on December 5, 2024, for one count of sexual trafficking of a child – 1st degree, three counts of possession of child pornography, and one count of promoting child pornography – 2nd degree, following an investigation by the Special Victims Unit of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control.

In October of 2024, while conducting a multi-jurisdictional on-line child pornography investigation, investigators with the Special Victims Unit identified a device associated with the internet account of Matthew J. Maggard.

On Wednesday, December 5th, investigators executed a St. Clair County search warrant at the home of Maggard, located in Collins, MO. The search revealed digital files on an electronic device containing child pornography. Investigators arrested and transported Maggard to the St. Clair County Jail.

On Thursday, December 6th, the St. Clair County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Maggard with one count of sexual trafficking of a child – 1st degree, three counts of possession of child pornography, and one count of promoting child pornography – 2nd degree. Maggard is currently being held in the St. Clair County Jail on a $100,000.00 cash/surety bond.

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.

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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