Caleb D. Bourgeois

COTTAGEVILLE — A Jackson County man was arrested Wednesday following the execution of a search warrant and charged with multiple counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

Caleb D. Bourgeois, 36, of Cottageville, was taken into custody after investigators alleged he placed a hidden camera inside a camper during the 2025 Jackson County Fair and recorded children changing clothes without their knowledge.

Authorities said Bourgeois is an active member of the Jackson County Junior Fair Board.

According to the sheriff’s office, investigators allege Bourgeois later used images of local children obtained from the recordings to generate artificial intelligence videos depicting sexual acts.

The sheriff’s office said the investigation is ongoing and described it as “voluminous and complex.”

Bourgeois is being held at the South Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility.

The sheriff’s office said it is currently conducting forensic analysis of Bourgeois’ electronic devices and has not yet identified any confirmed victims.

“At this time, we have no information on who is a potential victim,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “If you have contacted us, we will return your call or contact you if your child is a potential victim or has been identified as a victim.”

Authorities are asking anyone in the community who believes their child may be an additional victim to contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at 304-373-2290.

Investigators said updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Gwen Sour can reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com