Child Pornography Arrest

Press Release 

 Subject: Felony Arrest for Possession of Child Pornography
 Date: November 20, 2025

Arrest Details:
 Arrested Individual: Memphis Phillips, age 18, LaBelle, Missouri
 Arrest Date: November 18th, 2025
 Arrest Location: Canton, Missouri
 Arrest Agency: Lewis County Sheriff's Office
 Charge: Possession of Child Pornography

Incident Background:
 Date of Incident: September 27, 2025
 Location: Lewistown, Missouri 
 Time: NA

Details:  

On September 27, 2025, Deputy Steven Battaglia conducted a traffic stop in Lewistown, Missouri. During the stop, Deputy Battaglia arrested Memphis Phillips for failure to have a valid driver's license.

While searching the vehicle, Deputy Battaglia located items believed to be consistent with the possession and distribution of illegal substances. Phillips' cell phone was also seized to assist in the ongoing drug investigation. A search warrant was requested and granted for the device.

During the initial examination of Phillips' cell phone, Deputy Battaglia located a video which was consistent with child pornography. The phone was then sent to the Mid-States Organized Crime Information Center (MOCIC) for forensic analysis.

On October 23, 2025, the device was transported to the Kirksville Regional Computer Crimes Unit at the Kirksville Police Department for further examination. During this analysis, Kirksville Police Department Sergeant Steve Feeney located images and files believed to be child sexual abuse material/child pornography in nature.

On November 18, 2025, a probable cause statement and affidavit was filed for the arrest of Phillips. Prosecuting Attorney Chelsea Fellinger subsequently charged Phillips with one count of the Class B felony of possession of child pornography.

The Honorable Judge Corey Moon, Associate Circuit Judge, issued a warrant for Phillips' arrest.

Phillips was later taken into custody by members of the Lewis County Sheriff's Office.  

As of November 20, 2025, he remains lodged in the Lewis County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash-only bond.

"All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law."

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Contact Information:
  Lewis County Sheriff's Office
  Website: lewiscosheriff.org 
  Phone: 573-767-5287