Missouri attorney general seeks removal of Ray County prosecutor
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KBSI) — Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has filed a petition seeking to remove Ray County Prosecuting Attorney Camille Johnston from office, alleging a pattern of misconduct and willful neglect of duty.
According to the attorney general’s office, a judge issued a preliminary order immediately removing Johnston from her position while the case proceeds.
The petition alleges Johnston:
- Created a hostile work environment by verbally berating employees.
- Engaged in a romantic relationship with a criminal defense attorney who represented defendants in cases prosecuted by her office.
- Engaged in a romantic relationship with a prospective defendant and terminated an employee after the relationship was discovered.
- Engaged in a romantic relationship with an undocumented immigrant who was being prosecuted for sexual assault in Ray County and allegedly transferred the title of her vehicle to him to help him leave the area.
- Continued the relationships despite recognizing potential ethical conflicts.
Attorney General Hanaway said the action was taken to protect the public and restore integrity to the prosecutor’s office.
“When an elected official treats public office like their personal playground, betraying the public trust, ignoring legal obligations, and putting self-interest first, removal isn’t a suggestion, it’s a necessity,” Hanaway said in a statement.
Under Missouri law, the attorney general may seek a writ of quo warranto to remove a public official accused of unlawfully holding office or forfeiting the position through willful neglect, abuse of duty or misconduct.
The allegations outlined in the petition have not been proven in court. The case will proceed through the judicial process, where Johnston will have an opportunity to respond to the claims.
