Fort Wood Drill Sergeant Charged With Enticement of a Child

A drill sergeant at Fort Leonard Wood has been arrested and charged, following an undercover investigation by the South-Central Missouri Computer Crimes Task Force.
Authorities said 28-year-old Austin Michael Peyton of Fort Leonard Wood is “employed in a position of trust and has the responsibilities to advocate for victims of sexual violence and abuse.”
Peyton reportedly served as a drill sergeant with the 14th Military Police Brigade at Fort Leonard Wood.
On Jan. 23, Peyton contacted an undercover officer masquerading as a juvenile under the age of 15 years old, the probable cause document said.
Peyton was charged with enticement of a child and third-degree promoting prostitution.
According Fort Leonard Wood authorities, “if he is released on bond and returned back to the unit and awaiting trial he will not be performing drill sergeant duties.”

Peyton is being held in the Phelps County Jail without a bond.