Webster County Man Arrested On Sexual Abuse & Other Charges

A Webster County man has been arrested and faces multiple charges after a search of his vehicle, person and residence was executed. 35 year old, Joseph Hardy of Barnum was arrested Tuesday on charges of 2nd degree sexual abuse with a child 12 or under, two counts of child endangerment, felon in possession of a gun, and possession of marijuana.

The Webster County Sheriff’s Office says they received information regarding an allegation of child porn on Mr. Hardy’s cell phone. They also say that information included that he may have been in illegal possession of a gun and illegal narcotics.

A statement from the Sheriff’s office says, Deputies then made contact with Hardy in the Dolliver Park area of Webster County. Hardy’s vehicle and person was searched. They seized a cell phone, firearm and drugs in that search. A subsequent search of a residence linked to Hardy, turned up storage devices, cell phones, illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Hardy is being held in the Webster County Jail on a $60,000 bond.

The Sheriff’s Office says the incident is still being investigated and that anyone with information is encouraged to contact them at 515-573- 1444, or online at www.wccrimestoppers.com, or by texting “LEC” and the tip to CRIMES (274637).