SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) - A retired Springfield police officer has admitted in federal court that he secretly videotaped a 14-year-old girl in a plan to produce child pornography.
The U.S. Attorney's office says 55-year-old Jack Van Matre pleaded guilty Friday to two counts of sexually exploiting a minor. He remains in federal custody, with sentencing to be scheduled later.
Van Matre was indicted last November, about a month after what prosecutors said was the second of two incidents of secret taping.
Investigators said the girl discovered hidden video cameras behind fake ductwork in a bedroom and bathroom at Van Matre's home. A search of his computer turned up sexually explicit videos of the girl.
Van Matre retired as a Springfield patrol officer in 2006.
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