Columbia Police arrest Columbia man for child sex offenses

On Jan. 21, Columbia Police arrested Zachary Hutchinson, 38, of Columbia, for child sex crimes. Officers were made aware of a potentially inappropriate relationship between Hutchinson and a female juvenile on Jan. 15.

Patrol officers took the initial report, and the Criminal Investigations Division's Special Victims Unit continued the investigation. On Jan. 21, Hutchinson was arrested without incident, and multiple search warrants were executed to collect evidence.

At the time of the alleged incidents, Hutchinson was employed by Columbia Public Schools. The investigation has determined that Hutchinson and the juvenile victim did not meet as a result of his employment, nor did any known contact occur on school property. Investigators are seeking to speak with anyone who may have had contact with this individual under similar circumstances or who has information relevant to this case. Individuals are urged to contact the Columbia Police Department's Special Victims Unit. All reports will be handled with professionalism and discretion.

Hutchinson is charged with child molestation in the fourth-degree, three counts of statutory sodomy in the second-degree, attempted enticement of a child, enabling sexual exploitation of a minor, furnishing pornographic material, promoting child pornography in the second-degree and possession of child pornography.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652. To provide information without leaving your name or number, call CrimeStoppers at 573.875.8477 or visit http://www.p3tips.com/899. If you provide information to CrimeStoppers that leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,500.

Case Number 2026-000451

Missouri Statutes

566.071 Child Molestation - 4th degree

566.064 Statutory Sodomy - 2nd degree (3 counts)

566.151 Entice/Attempt Enticement of a Child

573.024 Enabling Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

573.040 Furnishing Pornographic Material

573.035 Promoting Child Pornography - 2nd degree

573.037 Possession of Child Pornography

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