Ste. Genevieve County couple arrested in child sexual abuse material investigation
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) has arrested a Ste. Genevieve County couple following an investigation into child sexual abuse material, officials announced Wednesday.
Charles R. Massa, 38, and Kristen R. Massa, 35, of Bloomsdale, were taken into custody after a Special Victims Unit investigation, assisted by the State Technical Assistance Team and the Ste. Genevieve County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the Patrol, the investigation began in September 2025 after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children issued a CyberTip reporting that an online user had uploaded several videos identified as child pornography. Investigators later identified Charles Massa as the suspect.
On Dec. 8, investigators executed a search warrant at a Ste. Genevieve County residence. During the search, investigators interviewed both Charles and Kristen Massa and seized an electronic device containing child pornography, the Patrol said. Investigators also located evidence linking the couple to a 2023 child molestation incident.
On Dec. 9, the Ste. Genevieve County Prosecuting Attorney charged Charles Massa with two counts of child molestation, two counts of possession of child pornography and one count of promoting child pornography. He is being held without bond.
Kristen Massa was charged with felony endangering the welfare of a child and tampering with physical evidence in a felony prosecution. Her bond was set at $40,000.
The DDCC urges the public to report any unwanted, inappropriate or sexualized communication with children to law enforcement.
The Patrol emphasized that the charges are accusations and that guilt must be determined in court.
Follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control on X at @MSHPTrooperDDCC.
