Joplin man who allegedly gave 3-year-old sleeping pill before creating child porn ordered held without bond

A Joplin man who allegedly gave a 3-year-old a sleeping pill before taking pornographic photos has been ordered held without bond while awaiting trial on child pornography charges.

Reagan Elijah Alexa Garcia, also known as Elijah Hicklin, 22, was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Springfield on Thursday, Feb. 29, with one count of receiving and distributing child pornography.

In his detention order, U. S. District Court Magistrate Judge David P. Rush noted that the allegations against Garcia included crimes involving a child.

Regarding potential danger to the community, the Court notes the nature of the instant offense, defendant’s substance abuse history, mental health history (untreated), and unstable home plan. 

The Court notes that the charge involves a sex offense, a child, and use of a computer to facilitate the alleged offense. The Court also notes safety concerns for the minor victim and the community. The evidence at the detention hearing established that the defendant claimed that images of child pornography shared via the internet were images of a family member. 

Defendant also claimed that another image of child pornography (that was produced by defendant) was obtained using sleeping pills. 

Based on all the foregoing, the Court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant is a risk of flight and finds by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant is a danger to the community.

More information can be found at the link below:

The Turner Report: FBI asking for help in investigation into Joplin man facing child pornography charges (rturner229.blogspot.com)