Willard man accused of arranging sex with teen in Webb City sting

A man from Willard, Missouri, was arrested after authorities said he arranged to meet someone he believed was a 15-year-old girl for sex in exchange for money.

43-year-old Shawn Alan Patterson is charged with enticement of a child and sexual trafficking following an undercover investigation by the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a probable cause statement, investigators conducted an undercover operation earlier this week. Authorities allege Patterson communicated with an undercover officer posing as a teenage girl offering sexual services.

Investigators say Patterson was specifically told the person was 15 and initially responded that he was no longer interested.

However, court documents allege he later resumed the conversation, requested a photo, and continued discussing a possible sexual encounter.

Authorities say Patterson eventually agreed to meet at a Casey’s General Store on South Madison Street in Webb City.

Patterson arrived at the store, purchased a drink, and was taken into custody after leaving the business.

During an interview with investigators, Patterson allegedly acknowledged continuing the conversation after learning the represented age and described his actions as a “bad judgment call.”