Former Potosi police officer pleads guilty to child sex trafficking charges

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KMOV) - A former Potosi police officer pleaded guilty Thursday to federal charges of sex trafficking, solicitation of child pornography and coercion and enticement of a minor.

Matthew N. Skaggs, 39, was indicted March 29.

Between January 1, 2022 and August 10, 2022, Skaggs convinced three minors into a commercial sex act, solicited sexual images of a minor and attempted to persuade a minor into engaging in sexual acts.

Federal authorities say he gave vape cartridges to one minor in exchange for pornographic images, sexually abused a minor, and paid another via CashApp not to reveal sexual abuse.

Skaggs met the victims through his work as a police officer or committed sex acts while on duty or in uniform.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 14. 2024. As [art of the plea agreement, prosecutors have agreed to recommend a sentence of no more than 300 months in prison.

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