An Emporia, Kansas man has been charged in connection with alleged sex crimes involving two middle-school-aged girls in Harrisonville, Missouri, according to police. Authorities say the case came to light after allegations were reported in May 2026.
The Harrisonville Police Department said 25-year-old Austin Muse is accused of using social media platforms to contact and groom the victims before allegedly committing the crimes.
Police are now asking the public to come forward if there are any additional victims or information connected to the case.
Police Say Allegations Surfaced In May
According to the Harrisonville Police Department, officers first learned of the allegations in May 2026. Investigators said the case involved two young girls who were allegedly targeted through online platforms.
Police stated that Muse was able to communicate with the victims through social media and allegedly used those platforms to arrange contact. Authorities said evidence found on the victims’ phones helped investigators identify Muse and his vehicle.
The department has described the case as serious and is urging anyone with relevant information to contact investigators.
Suspect Arrested After Traffic Stop
After investigators identified Muse, law enforcement continued working to locate him. On June 4, a Platte City police officer stopped Muse during a traffic stop.
Following that stop, Muse was arrested and taken to the Cass County Jail. Police have not released every detail of the traffic stop or the investigation, but said the arrest followed evidence gathered during the case.
Charges Filed Against Austin Muse
Muse is facing multiple charges related to alleged crimes involving minors. The charges include first-degree statutory rape or attempted statutory rape involving a victim younger than 14, statutory sodomy or attempted statutory sodomy, enticement or attempted enticement of a child, sexual exploitation of a minor child and second-degree statutory sodomy.
Authorities have emphasized that the case remains active. As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Police Ask Other Possible Victims To Come Forward
The Harrisonville Police Department said it is sharing information with the public because investigators believe there may be other unidentified victims.
Police are asking anyone with additional information to contact the department’s Investigations Unit at 816-380-8940.
Cases involving alleged online grooming can sometimes involve multiple victims, especially when social media platforms are used. Authorities are encouraging parents, guardians and community members to remain alert and report any concerning communication involving minors.
Online Safety Concerns For Families
The case also highlights the importance of monitoring online activity and speaking with children about digital safety. Parents and guardians are encouraged to talk openly with children about suspicious messages, secrecy requests, inappropriate communication and attempts by adults to build private relationships online.
Experts often recommend keeping communication open so children feel safe reporting uncomfortable interactions without fear of punishment.
An Emporia man has been charged in a Harrisonville case involving alleged sex crimes against two middle-school-aged girls. Police say social media played a role in the alleged grooming and contact with the victims.
As the investigation continues, authorities are asking anyone with information or possible additional victims to contact the Harrisonville Police Department.