Branson man arrested in alleged human trafficking incident

A man living in Branson has been charged with Promoting Prostitution, accused of coming to meet with a persona he contacted through an online ad and proposed putting her and her sister into sex trafficking.

According to a probable cause statement, Theo Leon Astwood is facing the Class E felony after an incident on June 12, 2026. Astwood is alleged to have responded to an online ad offering sexually explicit services and agreeing to engage in sex for $125.

The investigator recorded in the statement Astwood called the phone number provided on the ad and asked if the person would meet him at his hotel. He asked if the person wanted Hennessy and said he would provide it. 

Astwood is reported to have stated he would provide a room, protection and “organize dates” for both the person from the ad and their little sister, indicating a willingness to engage in sex trafficking with the women. 

The statements reports around 6:30 p.m. on June 12, a red sedan pulled into the agreed upon location. Astwood exited the backseat of the vehicle and entered the residence, where an officer placed him into custody. A search of Astwood resulted in investigators finding $200 in cash, 11 condoms and a half-empty bottle of Hennessy.

Astwood was read his Miranda rights and indicated he understood before stating he was not from the United States but was here working. He claimed he was trying to “make friends” in coming to the address.

As of press time, Astwood is in the Stone County Jail on $50,000 bond, but is also on an ICE hold.