Missouri I-44 Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest in Child Exploitation Case

An 18-year-old Missouri man has been arrested following a traffic stop on Interstate 44 that led to the recovery of a missing juvenile and the discovery of alleged child sexual abuse material.The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control reports Michael L. Colchado, of Seneca, Missouri, was taken into custody April 3 in connection with the investigation. The case involved the agency’s Special Victims Unit, along with assistance from the Lebanon Police Department, Laclede County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

According to authorities, troopers received an investigative tip regarding a missing juvenile from Pennsylvania who was believed to be traveling through Laclede County on Interstate 44. The information was part of a larger investigation being conducted by Pennsylvania authorities and the FBI.

Troopers located a vehicle matching the information near Conway, MO, and conducted a traffic stop. During the stop, the missing juvenile was found inside the vehicle, which was being driven by Colchado.

Investigators say evidence indicates Colchado traveled to Pennsylvania to pick up the juvenile before returning to Missouri. Authorities also report that electronic evidence identified as child sexual abuse material was recovered from the vehicle.

Colchado was taken into custody and transported to the Laclede County Sheriff’s Office, where he was placed on an investigative hold.

Formal charges were filed April 4 by the Laclede County Prosecuting Attorney, charging Colchado with three felony counts of possession of child pornography. He is being held in the Laclede County Jail without bond.

The juvenile was safely returned home.

The Division of Drug and Crime Control encourages the public to report suspected crimes against children to law enforcement.

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