25-04-2025
Smithville woman arrested for child porn after 4-month investigation
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A woman from Smithville, Missouri has been arrested for possession of child pornography, according to the Clay County Sheriff's Office.
Police say a four-month-long investigation led to the arrest of 44-year-old Melissa Bottom yesterday, April 24. Bottom is now being charged with two counts of possession of child pornography.
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The sheriff's office conducted a search warrant yesterday following an internet crimes tip from December 2024. Investigators worked through several legal processes over the following months, leading to the arrest and charges, the sheriff's office says.
The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program includes 5,400 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Clay County Sheriff's Office.
The Clay County Sheriff's Office says that Bottom is being held on a $25,000 bond and that more charges may come forward as evidence from Bottom's residence continues to be analyzed.
They also encourage anyone with information about online sexual abuse of children to contact the cyber tipline at 1-800-THE-LOST.
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