KC Reporter

A Waynesville, Missouri man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for distributing child pornography via the internet. U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips sentenced 44-year-old Michael Howard Collard to 10 years without parole. The sentence includes 10 years of supervised release and requires Collard to pay $3,000 in restitution. Collard, who has been in custody since his arrest, will also need to register as a sex offender following his release.

Collard pleaded guilty on June 17, 2024, to one count concerning the receipt and distribution of child pornography. According to the court, he used the Kik messenger application to share illicit material with an undercover officer. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at his home on May 4, 2022, seizing two cell phones. Forensic analysis of these devices uncovered over 160 images and 90 videos confirming his activities.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan prosecuted the case, with the FBI, Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and Springfield, Missouri Police Department contributing to the investigation.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006. The program aims to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse by coordinating federal, state, and local efforts to prosecute and apprehend offenders and assist victims. Additional details on the project are available at www.usdoj.gov/psc.