Christian County is located in the southwestern part of Missouri. Its population is approximately 89,000, and its county seat is the city of Ozark. Prostitution activity has been well-documented within the county, and the problems and ancillary crimes it generates results in complaints to law enforcement agencies from residents and businesses. Among the more serious crimes associated with the local commercial sex market is sex trafficking, some of which has involved child sexual abuse materials (CSAM, often referred to in state laws as “child pornography).

Consumer level demand provides the revenue stream for all prostitution and sex trafficking, and has therefore been targeted by local law enforcement agencies as a strategy for prevention and response. County agencies have supported demand reduction activities in multiple communities.  For example, in August 2013, officers from the Nixa Police Department, Christian County Sheriff’s Office and Combined Ozarks Multi-jurisdictional Enforcement Team (COMET) conducted a web-based reverse sting. Media reports stated that Nixa Police and COMET agents contacted Christian County sheriff’s deputies for their assistance. The team then set up an undercover investigation into web-based prostitution in a room at a local hotel. Seven people were arrested as a result of the operation, including three sex buyers. On September 10, 2013, the men were charged with patronizing prostitution. All three had their names and other identifying information publicized in local media outlets.