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Poplar Bluff Man, Woman Arrested For Sexual Trafficking Of A Child

 

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control arrested Brandon M. Hopper, 39, and Amber M. Longhibler, 28, of Poplar Bluff on Thursday, February 26, for sexual trafficking of a child and promotion and possession of child pornography. The arrests were the result of an investigation requested by Poplar Bluff Chief of Police Danny Whiteley. The investigation was conducted by members of the Division of Drug and Crime Control’s Digital Forensics Investigative and Criminal Investigative Units. 

On February 26, 2020, investigators contacted Hopper at his residence located on County Road 572, in Poplar Bluff. As a result, investigators seized child pornography and electronic equipment as evidence. Hopper was arrested and transported to the Butler County Jail. 

Investigators also contacted Longhibler at her residence which was located on Glendale Road, in Poplar Bluff. As a result, investigators seized child pornography and electronic equipment as evidence. Longhibler was also arrested and transported to the Butler County Jail. 

On February 27, 2020, the Butler County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Hopper and Longhibler. Hopper was charged with sexual trafficking of a child, promoting child pornography, and two counts of possession of child pornography. Longhibler was charged with sexual trafficking of a child, promoting child pornography, and four counts of possession of child pornography. Hopper and Longhibler are currently being held without bond. 

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 Digital Forensics Investigative Unit is partially funded by the Missouri Department of Public Safety’s State Cyber Crime Grant and the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. 

The 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.

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