St. Joseph police arrest 3 on child enticement, controlled substance charges

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- An undercover operation by the St. Joseph Police Department and the Street Crimes Unit resulted in two suspects being arrested and charged with enticement of a minor, and one suspect being arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Zachary Winger, 20, and Duane Parrott, 58, both of St. Joseph, Missouri, were arrested and charged with enticement of a minor. Both are being held without bond.

According to previous KQ2 reporting, Parrott was a former teacher with the St. Joseph School District.

A third suspect was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance. According to SJPD, the case remains under review.

"Adults who try to entice a minor are not going to find a safe place to do it in St. Joseph," Police Chief Paul Luster said. "Evie and Sophie's Law gives us a clearer way to intervene before a child is harmed and this operation shows we intend to use it. Two suspects are in custody without bond, and this will not be the last operation of its kind."

According to a news release, the operation follows the Aug. 28 effective date of Evie and Sophie's Law.

The law replaces the former offence of enticement of a child with grooming or enticement of a minor, and it covers a pattern of conduct meant to persuade, solicit or lure a minor into sexual conduct.

The law gives investigators and prosecutors a clearer way to act before a child has already been harmed.

SJPD said it will continue proactive investigations aimed at identifying adults who attempt to entice minors and removing them from the community.

Anyone with information about the enticement or grooming of a minor is encouraged to contact the SJPD at 816-271-4777 or submit an anonymous tip through the TIPS Hotline at 816-238-TIPS (8477).