Columbia Man Arrested for Child Sex Crimes
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) announces the arrest of Paul D. Piersee, 40, of Columbia, MO, for child sex crimes following an investigation by the DDCC Special Victims Unit (SVU).
SVU investigators were assisted by the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, State Technical Assistance Team, and Missouri Digital Forensic Center.
In July 2025, while conducting an online child pornography investigation, SVU investigators searched online for offenders sharing child pornography. Investigators identified a specific Internet Protocol (IP) address associated to a file identified as child pornography. Piersee’s physical address was identified as an address associated with the IP address and the underaged pornographic content.
On April 22, 2026, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in Columbia, MO. Investigators contacted Piersee and searched the residence, where evidence of child pornography was recovered/seized. As a result, Piersee was arrested and transported to the Boone County Jail, where he was placed on an investigative hold. SVU investigators sent a probable cause statement to the Boone County Prosecutor, seeking felony charges.
On April 23, 2026, the Boone County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Piersee with one count of Promoting Child Pornography -1st Degree, and three counts of Possession of Child Pornography. He is currently being held at the Boone County Jail without bond.
DDCC 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 charges for which the above individual was arrested are mere accusations and 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.
Follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on X @MSHPTrooperDDCC
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