ST. FRANCOIS COUNTY, Mo. — A 39-year-old former St. Francois County Sheriff’s deputy was arrested Thursday and charged with sexual exploitation of a minor.
David K. Blakenship, of Farmington, was arrested Thursday at 4:15 p.m. by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, according to a St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department Facebook post.
Charging documents were submitted to the St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney for formal charges as soon as Friday.
“The Sheriff’s department is shocked and saddened by the nature of the allegations against this former employee and co-worker,” the Facebook post states.
“The department will continue assisting the DDCC in any way possible to bring this investigation to a successful conclusion.”
Blankenship is being held at Ste. Genevieve County Jail.
He also was a former Desloge police officer.
More information will be released as it becomes available.