St. Louis, MO – Federal Investigation Leads to Sentencing
A Missouri man has been sentenced to 230 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to transporting a minor across state lines for sexual exploitation, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri.
On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey issued the sentence against Scott M. Arnold-Micke, 48, of Rolla, Missouri. Arnold-Micke pleaded guilty in January 2025 to one count of transportation of a minor to engage in a criminal sex act.
Case Background & Investigation
The investigation revealed that in 2021, Arnold-Micke met a 17-year-old victim and transported the victim to Chicago, where they engaged in drug use and sexual acts. Following his relocation from Sullivan, Missouri, to Rolla, Arnold-Micke continued regular drug use with the victim on an almost daily basis.
Federal authorities, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Rolla Police Department, conducted an extensive investigation into Arnold-Micke’s activities. The Phelps County Sheriff’s Department also assisted in the case.
Law Enforcement Statement & Prosecution
“The FBI is unrelenting when it comes to protecting children,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. “I commend those who brought this crime to light to ensure this child predator is behind bars.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Edwards.
Project Safe Childhood & National Efforts Against Child Exploitation
This case was pursued under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat child exploitation and abuse. The program mobilizes federal, state, and local resources to track and prosecute individuals engaged in online child exploitation and to identify and rescue victims.
For more information on Project Safe Childhood, visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Scott M. Arnold-Micke underscores the commitment of federal law enforcement to safeguarding minors from exploitation. Investigative efforts by multiple agencies resulted in a significant prison term, ensuring accountability and reinforcing the government’s ongoing pursuit of justice in cases of child sexual abuse.
