Highway Patrol reports four September arrests in child exploitation investigations

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

MISSOURI (KBSI) – The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports four men were arrested in September in connection with child exploitation investigations, including two in St. Francois County.

The patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announced the arrests involving its Special Victims Unit and Missouri Digital Forensic Center, which work with local law enforcement agencies.

Those arrested and their charges, according to the patrol, include:

– Walter W. Salts II, 32, of Wortham: Second-degree sexual trafficking of a child, first-degree promoting child pornography and three counts of possession of child sexual abuse material. The case is in St. Francois County.

– Kristopher W. Kinnard, 38, of Leadwood: First-degree promoting child pornography and possession of child sexual abuse material. The case is in St. Francois County.

– Adam W. Patton, 46, of Warrensburg: Possession of a controlled substance and four counts of possession of child sexual abuse material. The case is in Johnson County.

– Todd W. Buttrum, 57, of Odessa: Enticement or attempted enticement of a child and three counts of possession of child sexual abuse material. The case is in Lafayette County.

The charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The Special Victims Unit works with organizations including the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and the National White Collar Crime Center.

The patrol encourages responsible internet use, protecting personal information and avoiding meetings with strangers known only online.