St. Francois County Prosecutor’s Office recuses itself from daycare death investigation

PARK HILLS, Mo., (KBSI) — The St. Francois County Prosecutor’s Office has recused itself from investigating the death of a 3-year-old child at a local daycare facility due to a conflict of interest.

The daycare owner was previously employed by the prosecutor’s office under three prior administrations, prompting the current office to avoid any involvement that could be seen as improper or jeopardize the integrity of the investigation.

The St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation, with the Park Hills Police Department having requested their assistance to ensure impartiality.

At the request of the prosecutor’s office, Trisha Stefanski, the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney, has been appointed as a special prosecuting attorney to provide assistance and review reports.

The investigation is ongoing, with the sheriff’s department seeking information from the public to aid in their inquiry.