Missouri Man Arrested After Traffic Stop Leads to Recovery of Missing Juvenile, Child Exploitation Evidence

18-year-old Michael L. Colchado charged with possession of child pornography following I-44 traffic stop in Laclede County

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:00am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken mobile phone screen reflecting a faint blue light, conceptually representing the digital evidence recovered in a child exploitation investigation.The recovery of digital evidence in child exploitation cases is a critical component of law enforcement's efforts to protect vulnerable youth.Conway Today

An 18-year-old Missouri man has been arrested and charged with multiple felony counts of possession of child pornography after a traffic stop on Interstate 44 led to the recovery of a missing juvenile from Pennsylvania and the discovery of electronic evidence of child sexual abuse material.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation and the recovery of missing juveniles, which remains a critical priority for authorities at the state and federal level. The arrest of Colchado comes as part of a larger investigation being conducted by Pennsylvania authorities and the FBI.

The details

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control, troopers received an investigative tip regarding a missing juvenile from Pennsylvania who was believed to be traveling through Laclede County on Interstate 44. Troopers located a vehicle matching the information near Conway, Missouri, and conducted a traffic stop, where they found the missing juvenile inside the vehicle being driven by Colchado. Investigators say evidence indicates Colchado traveled to Pennsylvania to pick up the juvenile before returning to Missouri, and that electronic evidence identified as child sexual abuse material was recovered from the vehicle.

  • On April 3, troopers conducted the traffic stop on Interstate 44 near Conway, Missouri.
  • On April 4, formal charges were filed by the Laclede County Prosecuting Attorney, charging Colchado with three felony counts of possession of child pornography.

The players

Michael L. Colchado

An 18-year-old man from Seneca, Missouri, who was arrested and charged with three felony counts of possession of child pornography following the traffic stop and recovery of the missing juvenile.

Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control

The law enforcement agency that received the investigative tip, located the vehicle, conducted the traffic stop, and made the arrest of Colchado.

Pennsylvania Authorities

The authorities in Pennsylvania who were conducting a larger investigation that led to the investigative tip about the missing juvenile believed to be traveling through Missouri.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The federal law enforcement agency that assisted in the investigation and recovery of the missing juvenile.

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What’s next

Colchado is being held in the Laclede County Jail without bond, and the case remains under investigation by state and federal authorities.

The takeaway

This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation and the recovery of missing juveniles, which remains a critical priority for authorities at all levels. The discovery of alleged child sexual abuse material underscores the importance of the public reporting suspected crimes against children to help authorities identify and apprehend perpetrators.