JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of 37-year-old Shane E. Bottom of Bismarck, Missouri.
Bottom was arrested on December 20, 2023, for possession of child pornography and promoting child pornography, following an investigation by the Division of Drug and Crime Control’s Digital Forensics Investigative Unit.
In November of 2023, investigators discovered a digital file, identified as child pornography, which was downloaded from a device using an internet service provider associated with Bottom.
On December 20, 2023, investigators executed a search warrant at Bottom’s residence, where they seized his cellular telephone. During an examination of the cellular telephone, investigators discovered multiple digital video files of child pornography.
In an interview with investigators, Bottom admitted he had downloaded and viewed the video files of child pornography, using his phone.
On December 21, 2023, the St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Bottom with possession of child pornography and promoting child pornography. Bottom is currently being held in the St. Francois County Jail, with a $400,000.00 cash only bond.
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 above charges are a 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.