KC Reporter

A Joplin man, Reagan Elijah Alexa Garcia, also known as Elijah Hicklin, has been charged in federal court with receiving and distributing child pornography. According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, Garcia engaged in conversations with an undercover officer and sent pornographic images of children, including a 3-year-old child victim.

Garcia allegedly sent multiple files of child pornography to the undercover officer, with one image depicting a child with various restraint devices. In a text conversation, Garcia mentioned sexually assaulting a female child within the past couple of days.

Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Garcia’s residence on Feb. 28, 2024, where Garcia resisted arrest and attempted to destroy pieces of a microSD card. The FBI is seeking the public’s assistance in the ongoing investigation.

The charge against Garcia is an accusation, and evidence supporting the charge will be presented to a federal trial jury for determination of guilt or innocence. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Wan and investigated by the FBI.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Project Safe Childhood aims to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood and Internet safety education, visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.