Sexual Predator Sting: Clark County Man Arrested

(Kirksville, MO) – The Kirksville Regional Computer Crimes Unit (KRCCU) continues to investigate online sexual predators who are attempting to locate juveniles to engage in sexual relationships.

In the most recent incident, the KRCCU utilized an undercover profile of a 13-year-old female. This profile received messages through a social media website from a 54 year old male subject. This subject sent numerous messages of a sexual nature and made arrangements to meet what he thought was a 13 year old female in Kirksville to engage in a sexual relationship.

The subject traveled from Clark County to Kirksville where he parked on the “Square”. The subject sent messages of where to meet and advised he would be waiting beside his vehicle. He was found beside his vehicle and placed under arrest.

The subject was identified as Verle Gutting, 54, of Alexandria, MO.

Gutting is charged with Attempted Enticement of a Child and being held at the Adair County Detention Center.

The KRCCU and this investigation are made possible from funds provided in part from the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and funds from Cyber Crime Grants through the Missouri Department of Public Safety. The KRCCU has been in existence since 2006 and does both proactive and reactive cases for 13 counties in Northeast Missouri. In addition to cases like this one the KRCCU provides educational presentations to adults and children on the topics of Cyber Safety and Internet Crimes.

Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Kirksville Police Department at 660-785-6945, Central Dispatch at 660-665-5621, Adair County Sheriff’s Office at 660-665-4600 or anonymously at 660-627-BUST (2878) or email police@kirksvillecity.com.

*Photo courtesy of Missouri Department of Revenue.