A Missouri man was sentenced to 10 years of state supervised probation after pleading guilty to facilitating electronic child sexual abuse, the Benton County court records show.
Scott Minor, 46, of Jefferson City, entered his guilty plea Thursday under an agreement negotiated between his attorney Seth Irwin and prosecutor Jackson Hannah. The charge stems from communications with a minor from Pea Ridge, Arkansas, according to court documents.
Minor was arrested in August 2025 following a joint investigation by the Pea Ridge Police Department and the Cole County Sheriff’s Office in Missouri. A report filed in June 2025 alerted Pea Ridge police to inappropriate electronic communications between Minor and the child.
Officers obtained warrants to search the girl’s cellphone and laptop. The extracted data contained numerous messages in which Minor told the girl he loved her and described them as “soulmates,” court papers state.
Prior to this case, Minor had been booked into the Benton County Jail on March 6 after pleading guilty to child endangerment charges connected to the same victim. He was sentenced to seven years in prison for those offenses.
This latest charge of electronic facilitation of child sexual abuse reflects growing law enforcement attention on digital technology’s role in child exploitation. The Benton County prosecuting office credits coordination between law enforcement agencies across state lines for bringing the case to light.
Minor’s probation period requires close supervision and adherence to strict conditions as directed by the court. The outcome was reached through plea negotiations to spare the victim from prolonged court proceedings, according to defense counsel statements during sentencing.
Child protection advocates emphasize vigilance in monitoring online interactions where predators may manipulate vulnerable youth. The Pea Ridge report prompted swift investigation, highlighting the importance of timely community reporting in preventing abuse escalation.
Residents concerned about child safety can reach out to local law enforcement or child protection services to report suspicious behavior or seek resources. Maintaining open communication channels remains critical in safeguarding minors across the region.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
