Stoddard County Sheriff found guilty of Sunshine Law violation, faces $6,317.50 penalty

STODDARD COUNTY, Mo. (KBSI) – Stoddard County Sheriff Carl Hefner has been ordered to pay $6,317.50 in fines and legal expenses for violating the sunshine law.

Associate Circuit Judge C. Wade Pierce made this ruling on October 9, 2024, after determining that Hefner knowingly withheld body cam footage of a deputy shooting a family’s dog on August 27, 2023.

The Oliver Law Firm, representing the affected family, had requested the footage, but Hefner refused, citing concerns for his officer’s safety and the ongoing investigation.

However, Hefner failed to file a motion to seal the footage, leading to the violation.

As sheriff, Hefner leads the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Office, responsible for law enforcement, patrol, and community outreach programs in the county.

This incident raises questions about transparency and accountability within the department.

Case Details:

• – Incident Date: August 27, 2023
• – Ruling Date: October 9, 2024
• – Fine Amount: $6,317.50
• – Violated Law: Sunshine law
• – Reason for Violation: Withholding body cam footage

This ruling emphasizes the importance of transparency in law enforcement and the need for officials to comply with information requests