JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) announces the arrest of William “Red” Hackworth, 62, of Valles Mines, MO, for Sexual Trafficking of a Child and Enticement of a Child. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by the Special Victims Unit (SVU). The Missouri Digital Forensic Center and St. Francois County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation.
In March 2026, SVU investigators were contacted by the Riverside Sheriff’s Office in California after a parent noticed their child had been contacted by and was talking to an adult online. After conducting an investigation, Hackworth was identified as the suspect.
On March 24, 2026, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in St. Francois County. SVU investigators located and interviewed Hackworth. Evidence of sexual trafficking of a child and enticement of a child was located and seized as evidence. As a result, Hackworth was arrested and transported to the St. Francois County Jail.
On Marh 25, 2026, the St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Hackworth with sexual trafficking of a child and enticement of a child. He is being held at the St. Francois County Jail with bond set at $200,000.
DDCC 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 charges for which the above individuals were arrested are mere accusations and 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.