ST. JOSEPH, MO — A St. Joseph man is facing two counts of possession of child pornography after a Missouri State Highway Patrol investigation that began with an online probe in April and ended with a search warrant at a home on May 28. The patrol said the case involved its Division of Drug and Crime Control, along with the Special Victims Unit and the Missouri Digital Forensic Center. Investigators identified an internet protocol address they said was connected to sharing and uploading child sexual abuse material.
How The Case Developed
According to the patrol, Special Victims Unit investigators were targeting people suspected of distributing child pornography over the internet when they linked the activity to Billy E. Meyerdirk, 48. Authorities said the online investigation led them to a residence in St. Joseph, where they later carried out the search warrant. During that operation, investigators interviewed Meyerdirk about the alleged material. The patrol said the inquiry was supported by digital forensic work.
What Officers Found
Authorities reported finding several images of child pornography on electronic devices recovered from the residence. Those discoveries led to Meyerdirk’s arrest and transport to the Buchanan County Jail. The Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney then formally charged him with two counts of possession of child pornography. Officials said the charges were filed after the investigation and search of the home. The case remains an accusation, and the patrol noted that a court will determine guilt or innocence.
Bond And Jail Status
Meyerdirk is being held at the Buchanan County Jail on a $10,000 bond, according to the source information. The arrest followed the May 28 search, but authorities did not say in the release how long the investigation had been underway before the April online operation. No additional court dates were included in the report. The charges against Meyerdirk are criminal allegations only unless and until proven in court.
Patrol Urges Reports
The Missouri State Highway Patrol encouraged internet users to report any person who tries to start unwanted, inappropriate, or sexualized communications with children. It said such concerns should be reported directly to the patrol or to local law enforcement. The agency framed the advice as a way to help investigators intervene earlier in similar cases. The patrol did not identify any other suspects in connection with the St. Joseph investigation.
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