Arnold Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Sex with a Minor

ST. LOUIS – Anthony Justin Snelson, 39, of Arnold, Missouri, is facing serious time after admitting Tuesday to attempting to engage in sexual activity with a 16-year-old girl. The case, born from a disturbing online interaction, highlights the dangers lurking within social media platforms and the bravery of a mother who intervened to protect her child.

According to court documents, Snelson engaged in inappropriate conversations with the teen via TikTok. The exchange didn’t stay hidden for long. The victim’s mother discovered the digital correspondence and, demonstrating quick thinking and courage, took over the conversation, posing as her daughter. This deception allowed her to gather crucial evidence of Snelson’s predatory intentions.

The mother’s ruse continued as she arranged a meeting with Snelson, during which he brazenly requested a nude photo and explicitly asked if the victim wanted to “mess around.” It was a calculated trap. On August 12, 2024, she contacted the St. Louis County Police Department as the meeting time approached. Officers were waiting when Snelson arrived, arresting him on the spot.

In a post-arrest interview, Snelson didn’t bother with denials. He chillingly admitted the purpose of the meeting was “to maybe mess around,” confirming the horrifying intent behind his online grooming. He has now pleaded guilty to one count of attempted receipt of child pornography. The charge carries a mandatory minimum prison term of five years and a maximum of 20 years behind bars.

The investigation was a joint effort between the St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI, showcasing the importance of collaboration in tackling these heinous crimes. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lang is prosecuting the case, seeking justice for the victim and sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated. Snelson is scheduled to be sentenced on September 30.

This case is being pursued under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the escalating epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project leverages federal, state, and local resources to identify, apprehend, and prosecute predators and to rescue victims. More information on Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.