The arrests took place on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 and Thursday, August 5, 2021. The arrests were not related; and are each the result of lengthy investigations conducted by the members of the Division of Drug and Crime Control’s Digital Forensics Investigative Unit, Interdiction for Protection of Children (IPC)/Human Trafficking Unit, and the Missouri Digital Forensic Center. Anthony L. Arndt was arrested on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, in Barry County.
Investigators executed a search warrant at Arndt’s residence on County Road, in Monett, Missouri. As a result of the search, investigators seized child pornography and computer equipment. Arndt was arrested and transported to the Barry County Jail. On Thursday, August 5, 2021, the Barry County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged Arndt with one count of promoting child pornography and five counts of possession of child pornography. Arndt remains in custody at the Barry County Jail, with a bond of one million dollars. Lorrie Pace was arrested on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, in Cedar County. Investigators executed a search warrant at Pace’s residence on East 1658 Road, Stockton, Missouri.
As a result of the search, investigators seized child pornography and computer equipment. Pace was arrested and transported to the Cedar County Jail. On Thursday, August 5, 2021, the Cedar County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged Pace with one count of promoting child pornography and three counts of possession of child pornography. Pace was incarcerated at the Cedar County Jail, with a bond of $25,000.00. The Cedar County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Patrol with the investigation. Andrew M. Henry was arrested on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, in Kansas City, Missouri.
Investigators contacted Henry at his residence on Northeast Antioch Road, Kansas City, Missouri. As a result of their contact, investigators located child pornography on Henry’s cellular telephone. Henry was arrested for sexual trafficking of a child, promoting child pornography, and possession of child pornography. He was transported to the Clay County Jail and placed on 24-hour hold. The investigation by the Division of Drug and Crime Control, is ongoing. The Kansas City Missouri Police Department assisted the Patrol with the investigation. During 2019 and 2020, the Digital Forensics Investigative Unit (DFIU) executed 290 search warrants and made 63 arrests for sexual trafficking of children, and the manufacturing, possession and/or promotion of child pornography charges.
During this same time, the DFIU were able to identify, help provided resources, and remove 29 live victims of these crimes. The DFIU continues to work closely with Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Already this year, the DFIU has executed 70 search warrants, made 16 arrests, and contacted seven live victims. The Interdiction for Protection of Children (IPC)/Human Trafficking Unit was recently combined, with the DFIU.
Sexual Trafficking of a Child and Promoting Child Pornography Arrests, add 1 Page 2 of 2 of these resources, has strengthened the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s dedication to investigating online criminal activity and preventing future victims of sexual and human trafficking crimes. 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 Missouri Digital Forensic Center is a joint effort of the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Missouri Department of Social Services, and the Missouri National Guard Counterdrug Program, and is coordinated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The above charges are mere accusations 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.
