Melissa Bottom Arrested for Child Pornography in Smithville

Melissa Bottom, a 44-year-old resident of Smithville, Missouri, has been arrested and charged with two counts of possession of child pornography following a four-month investigation prompted by a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Authorities executed a search warrant at Bottom's home, where multiple files of child sexual abuse material were discovered on seized electronic devices. During questioning, Bottom admitted to having viewed such material for about six months and claimed the files were supplied by another individual from the St. Louis area, with victims ranging in age from 2 to 17 years old. Bottom is currently held on a $25,000 bond, and law enforcement officials have indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues. The case is part of the broader efforts of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program, which coordinates thousands of agencies nationwide to address online child exploitation. An arraignment is scheduled, and authorities have encouraged the public to report any information related to online child sexual abuse.