KC Reporter

A man from Licking, Missouri, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Springfield on charges related to child sexual exploitation and illegal possession of methamphetamine and firearms. John P. Weaver, 42, faces a five-count indictment.

The indictment accuses Weaver of using a minor to produce child pornography between January 22 and February 5, 2024. He is also charged with receiving and distributing child pornography.

Additional charges against Weaver include possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. On February 29, 2024, he allegedly possessed methamphetamine and two Hi-Point pistols.

Federal law prohibits felons from possessing firearms or ammunition. Weaver's criminal history includes convictions for controlled substance possession, motor vehicle theft, burglary, stealing, and resisting arrest by creating substantial risk.

The charges are accusations at this stage; evidence must be presented to determine guilt or innocence in a federal trial.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan is prosecuting the case. The investigation involved several agencies: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the FBI; the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office; the Springfield Police Department; and the Texas County Sheriff's Office.

This case falls under Project Safe Childhood—a Department of Justice initiative launched in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local resources.