Stoddard County to begin search for new associate county commissioner

STODDARD COUNTY, Mo. (KBSI) – Friday, Dec. 30, a final judgment was entered in State Ex. Inf. Russell Oliver v. Steve Jordan wherein the court found that Jordan had committed the offense of nepotism in violation of the Missouri Constitutional ban on such conduct and permanently removed him from the position of associate commissioner of Stoddard County.

Trial was conducted in the matter on Dec. 20, 2022 at the courthouse in Stoddard County.

Evidence was adduced at the trial that Jordan had nominated and appointed his son-in-law to an elected public office on the board of directors for Water District #5 of Stoddard County.

At the conclusion of the trial, the judge took the matter under advisement to consider the legal briefs that were submitted by Oliver and Jordan.

The case was filed by Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Russ Oliver on Sept. 21, 2022.

On that day, the presiding circuit judge for Stoddard County issued a preliminary order preventing Jordan from exercising any authority or duties of his elected office.

With the final decision of the trial court, that preliminary order was made permanent.

The office previously held by Jordan is now officially vacant subject to appointment of a new commissioner in his place.