Atchison County deputies, with the assistance of the Cyber Crimes Task Force, executed a search warrant June 4, 2025, at a residence in Fairfax, Missouri. Subsequent to the search warrant, a Fairfax man was arrested for suspicion of Possession of Child Pornography and Child Molestation.

According to a news release issued by the Sheriff’s Office, a Probable Cause Statement was filed with the Atchison County Prosecutor’s Office for the case, resulting in a warrant being issued by the Atchison County Circuit Court on charges of Possession of Child Pornography – 1st Offense and Sodomy 1st Degree – Aggravated Sexual Offense with no bond allowed at this time.

The suspect was served the warrant at the Atchison County Jail, where he continues to be held pending court appearance.

Further charges are pending at this time as this is an ongoing investigation. (All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.)

According to Case.net, charges against James Richard Ball, Fairfax, include Possession Of Child Pornography – 1st Offense (Felony D RSMo: 573.037), and Sodomy Or Attempted Sodomy – 1st Degree – Aggravated Sexual Offense (Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.060).

Arraignment was held June 5 at the Atchison County Courthouse. The defendant waived arraignment and a not guilty plea was entered. A hearing was set for June 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.