The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) announce the arrest of Matthew A. Thomson, 49, of High Hill, for child sex crimes following an investigation by the DDCC Special Victims Unit (SVU). SVU was assisted by members of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

In December of 2024, while conducting an online child pornography investigation, SVU investigators searched online for offenders sharing child pornography. Investigators connected to a device at a specific IP address because it was associated with a file identified as child pornography. Thomson’s physical address was later identified as the address associated with the graphic content.

In August 2025, SVU continued their investigation into the child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Investigators were able to download additional files of child pornography from the same IP address previously identified in 2024.

On Sept. 5, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in High Hill. Later the same day, Thomson was located in St. Louis,, where investigators attempted to interview him regarding their investigation. Evidence was seized during the contact.

On Sept. 8, investigators again met with Thomson at Troop C Headquarters in Weldon Spring. Investigators conducted an interview with Thomson and at the conclusion of the interview, he was taken into custody for promoting/possessing CSAM. Troopers transported Thomson to the Montgomery County Jail, where he was held pending the filing of formal charges.

On Sept. 9, the Montgomery County prosecuting attorney formally charged Thomson with one count of felony possession of child pornography and three counts of felony promoting child pornography. He is being held at the Montgomery County Jail without bond.

The Division of Drug and Crime Control encourage 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.