ST. FRANCOIS COUNTY, MO – Missouri State Highway Patrol reports felony arrests made regarding child sex crimes and drug possession.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) announces the arrest of two St. Francois County residents for child sex crimes. These arrests are the results of two separate investigations conducted by the DDCC Special Victims Unit (SVU). SVU was assisted by the Farmington Police Department, State Technical Assistance Team (STAT), and the Missouri Digital Forensic Center (MDFC).
In January/February 2026, while conducting an online child pornography investigation, SVU investigators obtained several CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children indicating two online users had uploaded files of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). After conducting initial investigations, two St. Francois County residents were identified as possible suspects.
On March 9, 2026, investigators located, contacted, and interviewed John F. McCallum, 46, of Farmington, MO. During the interaction with investigators, evidence of CSAM was located. McCallum was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Francois County Jail, where he was placed on an investigative hold.
On March 10, 2026, McCallum was formally charged by the St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney with one count each: Promoting Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography. McCallum is currently being held in the St. Francois County Jail, on $100,000.00 bond.
On March 10, 2026, investigators contacted William E. Watson, 47, of Park Hills, MO. DDCC investigators interviewed and conducted a consent search of an electronic device within his possession and located evidence of CSAM. While conducting a search of the residence, investigators also located illicit narcotics inside the residence. Watson was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Francois County Jail, where he was placed on an investigative hold.
On March 11, 2026, Watson was formally charged with one count each: Promoting Child Pornography, Possession of Child Pornography, Failing to Register as a Sex Offender, and Possession of a Controlled Substance. Watson is currently being held in the St. Francois Jail, on $500,000.00 bond.
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. 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.
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