Day shift officers with the Livingston Police Department (LPD) responded to information from a group of private citizens (PredatorPoachers) Feb. 7 about suspected child exploitation.
The group reported communicating online with an individual who intended to meet with a child. During their interaction, the group contacted the Livingston Police Department and provided evidence to officers.
Following an investigation, David Burks, 59, of Livingston, was found to be in possession of multiple digital files depicting child sexual abuse material. Burks was arrested on scene and charged with possession of child pornography. His bond is $20,000 and additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.
The LPD encourages anyone with information related to crimes involving the exploitation of children to contact the department. They encourage and remind parents to monitor online activity.
In other recent activity, LPD’s day shift encountered two separate incidents Feb. 6 on West Church Street that resulted in multiple felony charges.
During the morning hours, law enforcement was dispatched to the 1600 block regarding a trespassing complaint. Officers determined the suspect, Clifton Munday, 62, of Livingston, had previously been issued a criminal trespass warning and had been clearly notified not to return to the property.
Officers located Munday in a nearby wooded area. While attempting to detain him, Munday chose to resist and kicked one of the officers in the chest. He was taken into custody shortly after. Munday was charged with assault on a peace officer, resisting arrest, and criminal trespass, with bonds totaling $29,000.
Later in the day, officers conducted a traffic stop in the same area of the 1600 block. During the stop, the officer observed a plastic bag containing suspected narcotics hanging from the driver’s pocket. When asked to step out of the vehicle, the driver attempted to conceal the item, which was later identified as approximately half an ounce of methamphetamine.
The driver attempted to flee on foot, but quickly reconsidered the decision when K9 Bear made his presence known. With assistance from a passing citizen, the suspect was safely taken into custody.
The driver was identified as Brian Cunningham, 44, of Onalaska. Cunningham was arrested on three outstanding felony warrants for possession of a controlled substance, unlawful carrying of a weapon by a felon, and evading arrest with previous convictions. He also picked up additional charges of possession of a controlled substance and evading arrest with previous convictions with all bonds totaling $35,500.
The LPD commended the assistance of the citizen who stopped to help and reminds the public that criminal activity will continue to be addressed.
