Enticement of a Child investigation
Photo submitted
Toby Bronson
Chief Patrick Burton
LPD
On September 3, 2024, at approximately 0512 hours, Licking police officers were made aware of a short-term investigation being conducted by members of the “Bikers Against Predators” organization, which is a group that investigates potential online sexual predators. The officers were advised that the organization had a scheduled meeting with a 27-year-old Licking man, who intended to have sexual relations with whom he believed to be an 11-year-old girl, at the Rodeo Park (Old City Park), located in Licking, Missouri.
Upon the officers’ arrival at the park, officers made contact with a member of the organization and the suspect, who was later identified as Toby Shane Bronson. The witness provided digital information, including texts between the organization and Bronson which were of a sexual nature, an explicit image of Bronson’s genitalia, and copies of the logs in which Bronson had stated, “If I come tonight, I have less than an hour, and I would be coming to have sex.”
Bronson was advised of his rights, per Miranda, and he waived and agreed to speak with the officers. During the conversation, Bronson admitted to being at the park to meet an 11-year-old girl for the purpose of having a sexual encounter. Furthermore, Bronson admitted to knowingly sending a photograph of his genitalia to whom he believed was an 11-year-old girl.
Toby Shane Bronson, 27, of Licking, Missouri, was arrested and later transported to the Texas County Jail. The Texas County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has received a probable cause statement seeking the following charge: Enticement of a Child, an Unclassified Felony in Violation of RSMo 566.151.
The City of Licking Police Department would like to recognize and thank the members of the Bikers Against Predators organization for their involvement and efforts in this investigation.
The above information is just mere accusations and is not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of any charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
