Former eastern Missouri police officer pleads guilty to sex trafficking, child porn charges

ST. LOUIS (KMIZ)

A former Potosi, Missouri, police officer pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to ex trafficking, solicitation of child pornography and coercion and enticement of a minor, according to a press release from the Department of Justice.

Matthew Skaggs, 40, was accused of giving vape cartridges, lcohol, CBD and THC to a 13-year-old boy in exchange for illicit photos between June and July last year, the release states.

According to previous reporting, Skaggs was arrested in Cole County in August 2022. According to the report, court documents indicated that he was a school resource officer at the Potosi R-3 School District.

He also allegedly offered money for illicit photos from another boy and “admitted to performing a sex act” with another, according to the release.

A sentencing hearing is set for Feb. 14, according to the release.