St. Charles County Man Accused in Multi-Count Case Involving Minor; Investigators Cite Videos, Threats

Lincoln County, Mo — A Lincoln County man is now in custody facing multiple felony charges after investigators uncovered what they describe as an extensive case involving the sexual exploitation of a minor, recorded acts, and ongoing threats.

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Steven Michael Heckenkamp

Heckenkamp is currently being held in custody. Court documents indicate no bond has been authorized at this time.

Charges

•Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (multiple counts)

• Possession of Child Pornography (multiple counts)

• Promoting Child Pornography

• Sodomy, 2nd Degree

• Stalking, 2nd Degree

• Furnishing Pornographic Material to a Minor

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According to investigators, the case began earlier this year after a juvenile reported being contacted and later extorted for sexual activity.

Authorities say the two initially connected through a dating app, where the victim told Heckenkamp he was under 18. Despite that, investigators say communication continued and escalated into the exchange of explicit images and videos across multiple platforms, including Snapchat.

The juvenile told investigators that while an initial encounter may have been described as consensual, the situation quickly changed. Heckenkamp is accused of threatening to expose explicit images and videos to the victim’s family if contact or sexual activity stopped.

Investigators say multiple encounters took place in Lincoln County and were recorded at the direction of Heckenkamp.

Evidence obtained through search warrants reportedly revealed numerous videos involving the victim and others. Investigators describe the content as explicit, including recordings of sexual acts involving the juvenile. Additional material was also located on Heckenkamp’s phone.

According to the investigation, Heckenkamp also attempted to maintain control over the situation after the relationship ended. He is accused of contacting the juvenile’s family, continuing communication attempts, and even showing up at a location connected to the victim in St. Charles County.

In one instance, investigators say Heckenkamp falsely identified himself as a federal agent in an attempt to gain access to the juvenile. Authorities also allege he made statements suggesting he had placed tracking devices on the victim’s vehicle.

Investigators say the juvenile ultimately went into hiding out of fear for their safety.

A search warrant was executed at Heckenkamp’s residence with assistance from the St. Charles County Cyber Crimes Task Force and SWAT. He was taken into custody and later interviewed.

Court records show multiple felony charges have been filed, along with a misdemeanor charge related to furnishing explicit material to a minor.

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As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If you have information related to this case, contact Lincoln CountyWatch by calling or texting 636-377-0201 or emailing tips@LincolnCountyWatch.com.

We are not law enforcement, but we work to keep the community informed.

This story was written by John Eads.

Sources: Lincoln County Court Documents, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.