Gladstone man faces federal attempted sex trafficking charge
A Kansas City area man is accused of trying to meet a minor to engage in sexual activity for the exchange of money, prosecutors announced Wednesday.
Scott R. Smith, 35, of Gladstone, was arrested Monday and charged with attempted sex trafficking of a minor in the U.S. District Court in the Western District of Missouri.
Smith had his first appearance in the case Wednesday, prosecutors said.
According to charging documents, Smith is accused of talking with an undercover law enforcement officer online who he believed to be a 15-year-old. Over the course of four days, Smith allegedly asked the purported minor to send him sexually graphic images.
He is also arranged to meet the minor to engage in sexual conduct in exchange for money, prosecutors said.
Smith was arrested Monday when he arrived at a hotel where he had arranged to meet the minor. Instead, undercover officers were waiting for him there.
Prosecutors said the case is part of a broader effort by federal law enforcement to crack down on child sexual exploitation and abuse.
