MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL a division of the DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY NEWS RELEASE

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of Charles B. Tyler, 46, of Webb City, Missouri. Tyler was arrested on November 7, 2023, for three counts of possession of child pornography following an investigation by the Division of Drug and Crime Control’s Digital Forensics Investigative Unit. The Webb City (Missouri) Police Department assisted in the investigation.

On November 7, 2023, investigators executed a search warrant at Tyler’s residence, located in Webb City, Missouri, as part of an ongoing child exploitation investigation. Investigators interviewed Tyler, who admitted to downloading and possessing child pornography using his computer. During an on-scene examination of Tyler’s computer, investigators located digital files of child pornography. Tyler was arrested and transported to the Jasper County Jail, where he was held, pending the filing of formal charges. On November 8, 2023, the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Tyler with three counts of possession of child pornography. Tyler is currently being held in the Jasper County Jail on a $50,000 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 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.