A man from Callaway County, Missouri, has been indicted on nine counts of attempted production of child pornography. David Lee Maddox, 59, was charged by indictment on August 5, 2025. The charges became public after his arrest and initial court appearance.
The investigation began in August 2023 when Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in St. Louis received a referral from HSI Portland, Maine. Authorities allege that Maddox communicated through Microsoft Skype with individuals known to traffic and sell live and recorded child sexual abuse videos in the Philippines. According to investigators, Maddox used Skype to receive live “shows” involving minor victims and paid for these shows by sending money through money transmittal services. Between September 20, 2021, and December 23, 2023, Maddox allegedly received such content involving underage females on about 20 occasions.
“The charges contained in the indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence,” according to information released by authorities.
If convicted under federal statutes, Maddox could face up to 30 years in prison for each count without parole. Sentencing will be determined by the court based on advisory guidelines and other statutory factors after a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Turner is prosecuting the case. The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Holts Summit Police Department, and the Missouri State Technical Assistance Team (STAT).
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Project Safe Childhood brings together federal, state, and local resources to identify offenders and rescue victims. More information can be found at www.usdoj.gov/psc .
