The Poplar Bluff School District sent a message to parents Thursday afternoon after a school resource officer was charged with multiple felonies.
“We have been advised that charges have been filed against a law enforcement officer employed by the Poplar Bluff Police Department, who was recently assigned in our school system,” said Poplar Bluff R-1 Superintendent Scott Dill
A nearly 10-year veteran, Brandon Hopper was in his first year as the school resource officer for the Poplar Bluff Middle School. The SRO is a contracted position with the school district.
Hopper, 39, was charged Thursday afternoon with the unclassified felony of first-degree sexual trafficking of a child, the Class B felony of first-degree promoting child pornography and two Class D felonies of possession of child pornography.
“We are cooperating fully with state law enforcement agencies as they conduct their investigation into this matter,” Dill said.
As a district, Dill said, school officials “remain committed to the safety of every student entrusted to our care.
“If you have any information about this incident, I urge you to contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol.”