Former Deputy Accused of Child Pornography Possession Faces Trial in Cooper County

Jordan D. Schutte's case moved to neighboring county after indictment by Pettis County grand jury

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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A former Pettis County Sheriff's Deputy accused of possessing and promoting child pornography will now face trial in Cooper County after a change of venue motion was granted. Jordan D. Schutte, 40, was indicted last month by a Pettis County grand jury for allegedly sharing an illicit video depicting a minor through a social media app in June 2022. The case was moved to the neighboring county due to Schutte's prior law enforcement background.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and task forces to investigate and prosecute individuals accused of child exploitation crimes, even when the accused is a former member of law enforcement. Schutte's prior employment with the Pettis County Sheriff's Department and his involvement in a high-profile 2020 police shooting case add additional complexity to the proceedings.

The details

Schutte was employed by the Pettis County Sheriff's Department until early 2021. In 2023, he settled a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the parents of Hannah Fizer, the Sedalia woman who was killed during a traffic stop in June 2020. The Western Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Sedalia Police Department investigated the tip that led to Schutte's arrest in November 2022 for allegedly sharing an illicit video depicting a boy between the ages of 9 and 13 through a social media messaging app.

  • Schutte was indicted by a Pettis County grand jury in late January 2026.
  • A change of venue motion was granted on February 2, 2026, moving the case to Cooper County.
  • Schutte's next hearing in Cooper County Circuit Court is scheduled for the morning of April 13, 2026.

The players

Jordan D. Schutte

A 40-year-old former Pettis County Sheriff's Deputy accused of possessing and promoting child pornography.

Western Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force

The task force that investigated the tip leading to Schutte's arrest in November 2022.

Sedalia Police Department

The department that assisted in the investigation of Schutte.

Hannah Fizer

A Sedalia woman who was killed during a traffic stop in June 2020, leading to a wrongful death lawsuit that Schutte settled in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to vigorously prosecute those accused of exploiting children, no matter their background.”

— Pettis County Prosecutor

What’s next

Schutte's next hearing in Cooper County Circuit Court is scheduled for the morning of April 13, 2026, where the judge will determine the next steps in the legal proceedings.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of thorough investigations and impartial prosecution of child exploitation crimes, even when the accused has a law enforcement background. It also highlights the ongoing efforts by task forces and local police departments to protect vulnerable children in the digital age.