A Missouri man has confessed to transporting a minor across state lines for sexual purposes. Scott M. Arnold-Micke, aged 48, admitted guilt to one count of transportation of a minor to engage in a criminal sex act. According to his plea agreement, Arnold-Micke transported the 17-year-old victim to Chicago in 2021, where they used drugs and engaged in sexual activities. He met the victim during the summer of that year and began using drugs with them regularly after relocating from Sullivan, Missouri, to Rolla, Missouri.
Arnold-Micke is set for sentencing on April 30. Both parties involved—the U.S. Attorney’s office and Arnold-Micke’s defense—have agreed to recommend a prison sentence of 230 months.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Rolla Police Department, and the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Edwards is leading the prosecution.
This case falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project involves federal, state, and local resources to locate and prosecute offenders exploiting children via the Internet while also rescuing victims. Further details about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.