Man arrested for traveling with a minor across state lines for criminal sexual activity

31-year-old Christopher D. Bruey was arrested on Wednesday, Feb. 1 in Knoxville, Tenn. by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on charges of transporting a minor in interstate commerce with intent to engage in unlawful sexual activity.

On January 27, the Joplin Police Department was contacted in reference to a 14-year-old female from Joplin who was reported as a missing person and runaway.

Officers and Detectives began an immediate investigation after it was learned she may have been picked up by a male earlier in the day. As investigators worked covering leads, tips, and newly discovered information, it was learned she was possibly picked up by a 31-year-old male from Fort Myers, Florida.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation was alerted to the incident and Detectives with the Joplin Police
Department began working with federal agents as the investigation progressed. On Jan, 28,
agents from the FBI located the suspect and the 14-year-old missing person at a motel in
Knoxville, Tennessee.

The 14-year-old female was located safe and has since been reunited with family members. .

The Joplin Police Department wants to remind parents and children about the possible dangers
associated with juveniles engaging in conversations or online communication with adults.

While being connected to friends and family online can offer some benefits, online chats or engagement through social media can expose children and teenagers to potential dangers, such as predators, online bullying, scams, malware, and other harmful actions.