Child pornography charge filed against former Monett, Aurora police officer

The Lawrence County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed child pornography charges against a former Monett and Aurora police officer today.

Scott William Gaston, 49, Marionville, is being held without bond in the Lawrence County Detention Center on charges of possession of child pornography and promoting child pornography.

According to the probable cause document, following a tip, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force discovered 29 video files.

The task force, along with the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol and Homeland Security executed a search warrant on Gaston's home, where he lives with his domestic partner and four children, today, according to the probable cause statement.

The statement noted concerns about dangers Gaston might pose to others, as well as concerns about whether he would appear in court.

The defendant has 17 years of prior law enforcement experience, giving him extensive knowledge of investigative procedures, court processes, and the potential consequences of the serious felony charges he is now facing. This level of familiarity increases his ability to evade court obligations and avoid prosecution. The evidence directly linking him to the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, combined with the substantial penalties associated with these offenses, provides a significant incentive for him to flee or refuse to appear if only summoned.

These factors create a substantial risk that he will not comply with a criminal summons.

The defendant's 17 years in law enforcement give him specialized training, tactical knowledge, and familiarity with firearms that elevate the level of danger he presents. During the search warrant, investigators located multiple firearms, large quantities of ammunition, and significant amounts of cash throughout the residence. Four young children also live in the home, and the criminal conduct under investigation involves the exploitation of minors. 

The combination of his training, access to weapons, the seriousness of the offenses, and the instability indicated by his recent termination from employment demonstrates that he poses a credible and ongoing threat to the safety of the community and individuals around him.