May 5th, 2026 National News
Desloge, Mo. (KFMO) - A Desloge man is behind bars after an investigation into alleged online communication with a minor.
According to the Desloge Police Department, 53-year-old Harold Douglas French was arrested on May 2, 2026, and charged with enticement or attempted enticement of a child under the age of 15.
Authorities say the case originated through the efforts of a nonprofit organization known as Big Country Predator Exposure. The group reportedly utilized an online decoy posing as a 13-year-old female. Investigators allege French initiated contact and engaged in conversations attempting to entice the decoy into sexual activity.
The situation escalated when a representative of the organization made direct contact with French, which was recorded. The Desloge Police Department was later notified and, after reviewing the evidence, officers took French into custody.
French is currently being held in the St. Francois County Jail on a $500,000 cash-only bond.
Officials say the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information about possible additional illegal activity to contact the Desloge Police Department.