The United States Department of Justice has recognized the Kirksville Police Department’s contribution to the prosecution of Emily Nicole Yeary, resulting in a 40-year sentence in federal prison for the exploitation of minors in multiple states. KPD was part of a multistate investigation that revealed Yeary offended multiple victims, all minors, from Mississippi, Kentucky, Florida and Missouri. In February of 2018, KPD detained Yeary, and one of her juvenile victims was returned to family. In total, Yeary pleaded guilty to seven counts, including Enticement to Travel for Illegal Sexual Activity, Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Activity, Possession of Child Pornography, Obstruction of Justice, Tampering with a Witness, and Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor. The sentencing took place on January 3, 2025. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.