Show-Me State Times

U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp sentenced Matthew A. Prewett, 43, of Kennett, in Dunklin County, to 20 years in prison for his heinous crimes. Prewett engaged in sexual contact with a 13-year-old girl and recorded his actions on video, as well as recorded other children in the shower, ranging from ages 12 to 17.

The investigation into Prewett began after the victim's mother discovered sexually suggestive text messages from him on her daughter's phone. Prewett pleaded guilty in November to a felony charge of sexual exploitation of a minor.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Hunter is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Kennett Police Department and the FBI.

In a statement, the Department of Justice highlighted that this case was part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program, launched in 2006, brings together federal, state, and local resources to identify, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The initiative also focuses on rescuing victims of such crimes.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.