Joplin Man Charged with Child Exploitation, Child Porn

Suspect ordered held without bond after pleading not guilty to multiple counts

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Spencer Logan Hunt, a 32-year-old Joplin resident, has been indicted on three counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of receiving and distributing child pornography. Hunt waived the reading of his indictment and pleaded not guilty during a court appearance on Wednesday. The judge ordered Hunt to be held without bond following a detention hearing.

Why it matters

Crimes involving the exploitation and abuse of children are among the most serious and disturbing offenses. This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to identify and prosecute individuals engaged in these heinous activities, which can have long-lasting traumatic impacts on victims.

The details

According to court documents, Hunt was indicted on three counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of receiving and distributing child pornography. He waived the reading of his indictment and pleaded not guilty during a court appearance on Wednesday. Following a detention hearing, the judge ordered Hunt to be held without bond.

  • On February 6, 2026, Spencer Logan Hunt was indicted on the charges.
  • On February 6, 2026, Hunt waived the reading of his indictment and pleaded not guilty.
  • On February 6, 2026, the judge ordered Hunt to be held without bond following a detention hearing.
  • A pretrial conference is scheduled for February 18, 2026 in U.S. District Court in Springfield.

The players

Spencer Logan Hunt

A 32-year-old resident of Joplin, Missouri who has been indicted on three counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of receiving and distributing child pornography.

Judge David P. Rush

The judge who ordered Spencer Logan Hunt to be held without bond following a detention hearing.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on February 18, 2026 whether to allow Spencer Logan Hunt to be released on bond or continue to be held without bond as the case proceeds.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and the judicial system to aggressively prosecute individuals accused of exploiting and abusing children, one of the most vulnerable segments of society. The decision to hold the suspect without bond indicates the seriousness with which the court is treating these charges.