A Fulton man was arrested Wednesday morning in connection with a child pornography investigation.
Acting on information received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Boone County Sheriff's Department Cyber Crimes Task Force conducted an investigation into the downloading and sharing of suspected child pornography files. Authorities said the investigation indicated a Fulton resident, Kevin Downey, 33, who worked as a detention officer employed by the Boone County Sheriff's Department, was alleged to have downloaded the files.
At approximately 9:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, members of the Fulton Police Department, Callaway County Sheriff's Department and the task force served a search warrant in the 900 block of State Street in Fulton. Authorities reported there was evidence of child pornography possession at the scene and Downey was taken into custody. He is facing charges of possession of child pornography and promoting child pornography.
The Boone County Sheriff's Office confirmed Downey was employed as a detention officer with their department for six and half years, but his employment with the department has been terminated.
Authorities added that the investigation is ongoing in this case.
The Boone County Sheriff's Department Cyber Crimes Task Force is comprised of investigators from the Boone County Sheriff's Department, the University of Missouri Police Department, the FBI, and the Boone County Prosecuting Attorney's office.
This project is supported by funds made available through the State of Missouri Cyber Crimes Grant administered by the Missouri Department of Public Safety.
The Boone County Sheriff's Department Cyber Crimes Task Force is part of the Missouri Internet Crimes against Children Task Force.