Independence man was charged with child porn. Now he’s charged with producing it

An Independence man facing child pornography charges has been charged with additional crimes after an investigation brought allegations that he not only possessed child porn but produced it.

In March, Matthew R. Pohlman, 44, was charged with three counts of possession of child pornography following a raid on his home by Independence police and the Missouri Highway Patrol.

During the search, investigators seized child pornography and computer equipment suspected to have been used to commit the crimes.

Now, after examining thousands of files and speaking to minors involved in the pornography, highway patrol investigators suspect Pohlman not only possessed the pornography, but also played an active role in producing it.

The crimes, they say, likely spanned more than 10 years and took place in multiple counties.

Pohlman has been charged with six additional counts: first-degree child molestation, first-degree statutory rape, two counts of first-degree statutory sodomy, second-degree statutory rape and second-degree statutory sodomy.

He is being held at the Jackson County jail on $100,000 cash bail.

This story was originally published April 22, 2019 at 9:41 PM.