March 12th, 2026 Local News
St. Francois Co., Mo. (KFMO) - Two St. Francois County men are facing felony charges following separate investigations into child sexual abuse material conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control.
According to authorities, the arrests stem from two investigations conducted by the Division of Drug and Crime Control Special Victims Unit. Investigators received multiple CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in January and February of 2026 indicating that files containing child sexual abuse material had been uploaded by two online users.
After conducting initial investigative work, authorities identified two St. Francois County residents as possible suspects.
On March 9th, investigators located and interviewed 46-year-old John F. McCallum of Farmington. During the interaction, investigators reported locating evidence of child sexual abuse material. McCallum was taken into custody and transported to the St. Francois County Jail on an investigative hold.
On March 10th, the St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged McCallum with one count of promoting child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. He is currently being held in the St. Francois County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
In a separate investigation, authorities contacted 47-year-old William E. Watson of Park Hills on March 10th. Investigators conducted an interview and a consent search of an electronic device in Watson’s possession, where they reported locating evidence of child sexual abuse material.
While executing a search of the residence, investigators also reported finding illegal narcotics.
Watson was taken into custody and transported to the St. Francois County Jail on an investigative hold.
On March 11th, the St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Watson with promoting child pornography, possession of child pornography, failing to register as a sex offender, and possession of a controlled substance. Watson is currently being held in the St. Francois County Jail on a $500,000 bond.
Authorities say the investigations remain ongoing.