04/30/2026
On April 2, 2026, the Callaway County Sheriff’s Office received information that Joseph A. Smith, a 38-year-old male of Fulton and a registered s*x offender, was living in Callaway County without registering with the Callaway County Sheriff’s Office as required by law.
During the investigation, it was determined that Smith was a previous resident of Callaway County in 2025. Smith reported to the Sheriff’s Office in February 2026 that he was moving back to Callaway County to an address on Spalding Road in Holts Summit, Missouri. Smith's request was denied as this is within 1,000 feet of a school zone. Smith opted to register in Cole County instead.
During an investigation it was learned that Smith was not residing in Cole County and instead at the residence on Spalding Drive. During the investigation, deputies encountered Smith on a traffic stop on April 26, 2026 where he resisted arrest. During the stop, Smith was found to be in possession of a firearm, however was a felony. Smith was taken into custody and transported to the Callaway County Jail.
The Callaway County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally filed charges against Smith for prior offender residing within 1,000 feet of a school or childcare facility after conviction of or plea to a specified offense, with a $10,000 bond. Additional charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and resisting arrest were also filed, with a bond set at $25,000.
Smith posted bond and was released from the Callaway County Jail.
On April 28, 2026 a Callaway County Deputy received information that Smith had a probation violation warrant for two counts of fail to register as a s*x offender. Deputies located Smith, arrested him and transported Smith to Callaway County Jail.
Smith remains in custody at the Callaway County Jail on a no bond warrant.
Smith was previously convicted of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault on July 28, 2009, in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois. In accordance with Missouri Revised Statute 589.400, Smith is required to register as a s*x offender in Missouri due to the conviction in Illinois.
These charges are allegations. Smith is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.