Blue Springs scout leader accused of using phone app to create obscene images
A former local Scouting America troop leader faces a child obscenity charge after he allegedly used a phone app to alter images of children in the troop to create pornographic content.
Jonathan Xavier Valdez, 36, of Blue Springs, faces charges of production of child obscenity involving multiple minors, according to a news release from Dave Ketchmark, a spokesperson for the United States Attorney’s Office Western District of Missouri.
A witness told investigators at the FBI’s’ Kansas City Division Friday that Valdez has been involved in Scouting America Troop 332 for six years, and was recently promoted to troop leader, according to a probable cause affidavit in support of the charges filed against Valdez.
Around September 2025, the witness said a child in the troop began noticing what appeared to be “artificial intelligence or altered pornographic photographs of minor females” involved in the organization on an electronic device belonging to Valdez, according to the court document.
According to the affidavit, Valdez used photos of the children from a troop-wide communications platform and altered them so that the children appeared nude.
In an interview with investigators, Valdez admitted to using an app on his phone to alter the children’s clothing, the affidavit said.
Investigators “have not determined any alleged offenses regarding hands-on abuse by Valdez,” Ketchmark said.
In an email to a Star reporter Monday, Scouting America said Valdez was removed and permanently banned from the organization following his arrest.
The organization said it “maintains a comprehensive safeguarding framework designed to prevent abuse and respond immediately to concerns.”
Scouting America volunteers and employees are required to complete mandatory safeguarding training and a criminal background check for the organization, a representative said. Additionally, policy requires two trained adults to be present with children and restricts the use of recording devices in private areas.
Valdez made an initial court appearance Monday, Ketchmark said. No further court dates are set in his case.
