Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight

Ex husband’s attorney gets heated in appearance before House committee

(MissouriNet) – A special House committee has heard testimony from an attorney involved in allegations that have led to the possible impeachment of Governor Eric Greitens. Al Watkins represents the ex-husband of the woman who’s accused Greitens of sexual coercion and physical abuse. During a heated exchange, Watkins passionately defended the ex-husband, saying he held […]

Governor Eric Greitens

Lawmaker, attorney both contacted the FBI over allegations related to Greitens

(MissouriNet) – Both sides in a special House committee hearing on an investigation of Governor Eric Greitens revealed yesterday they had contact with the FBI.     Republican Representative Jay Barnes, who chairs the committee, said he’d contacted federal law enforcement after hearing closed testimony from an early Greitens campaign advisor, Michael Hafner, who alleged […]

Crime and Courts

Four face judge in Associate Division of Grundy County court

A Trenton resident has waived preliminary hearings on several felony charges. Misdemeanor cases have been certified to be heard in a higher court. Cody James Burchett of Trenton appeared yesterday in the Associate Division of court. Charges include assault in the third degree: special victim; attempted tampering with a witness in a felony prosecution; as […]

Missouri capitol

Audio: Missouri House and Senate leaders announce they’ll push ahead with Greitens investigation after criminal charge dropped

Missouri House and Senate Republican leaders quickly responded to a felony charge being dropped against fellow GOP member Governor Eric Greitens.     Leadership in both chambers issued statements condemning the governor’s conduct. House Speaker Todd Richardson, House Speaker Pro Tem Elijah Haahr, and House Majority Floor Leader Rob Vescovo pointed to two reports issued […]

Court Gavel and Scales

Trenton man has probation revoked during court appearance

Following a probation violation hearing, the original probation was revoked, jail time imposed and another probation established for court cases involving William Nicholas Griffin of rural Trenton. Griffin, in Associate Division of circuit court, admitted to the allegations of violation. The court revoked probation and Griffin was sentenced to 60 days confinement at the Grundy […]

Missouri Capital Building Jefferson City

Audio: Southwest MO lawmaker discusses his refusal to sign special session petition

Joplin State Rep. Bill White did not sign a petition to call the Missouri Legislature in for a special session to consider impeaching Governor Greitens. Despite White’s opposition, enough signatures have been gathered to begin one on May 18.     Lawmakers will consider allegations that Greitens took and transmitted an unauthorized nude photo of […]

Rodney Thomas

Court date set for Maysville teacher accused of sexual contact with students

The Maysville school district reports Instructor Rodney Thomas has been placed on administrative leave from his job as a junior high math teacher and a coach with the wrestling program. The 39-year-old Thomas was arrested on multiple alleged sexual contact accusations and related charges in DeKalb County. A statement from the Maysville school indicates Thomas has […]

Police Lights

Carrollton police officer resigns in wake of sexual misconduct allegation

A Carrollton Police Officer has resigned their position in the wake of a sexual misconduct allegation. Chief Robert Turner of the Carrollton Police Department reports the allegation occurred on February 17, 2016. After an internal investigation, the Chief suspended the officer pending a hearing, however, the officer chose to resign prior to the hearing. The […]

Samuel Borntreger, Amish minister, waives preliminary hearing on first-degree murder charge

Samuel Borntreger could face additional charges of child abuse and sexual misconduct

(St. Joseph News Press) – Testimony in a bond hearing Wednesday revealed an ongoing criminal investigation against an Amish man charged with poisoning his own wife. Samuel Borntreger appeared in a Harrison County courtroom Wednesday on a charge of first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Anna Yoder Borntreger, in 2006. Authorities raised the […]