Show-Me State Times

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced the finalization of a settlement agreement with Ray County Sheriff Scott Childers, who had been temporarily removed from his position while litigation was pursued to remove him permanently for breaking Missouri law. According to the settlement, Childers resigned effective Monday, August 19, and has been stripped of his Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification. He will not be allowed to serve in Missouri law enforcement again.

“This outcome is a major win for the residents of Ray County who have been forced to watch the perpetrators of their crimes roam freely in their communities due to the negligent actions of those sworn to protect them,” said Attorney General Bailey. “I am extremely proud of the work my team put into removing another official who refused to do their job as required by Missouri law. We will continue to fight for Missourians across the state by holding bad actors accountable.”

In a lawsuit filed earlier this year, Attorney General Bailey asserted that Childers failed Ray County residents through acts of misconduct, malfeasance, misfeasance, and nonfeasance in office. Specifically noted were instances where Childers:

- Unlawfully allowed multiple detainees, including those accused of sexual assault, to leave or be released from the Ray County Jail.

- Stated on social media his plan to use detainees to work at his home or other businesses.

- Allowed released detainees to work on his property and properties of friends and acquaintances.

- Permitted detainees to drive vehicles, make purchases at local stores, leave the state, and move freely about Ray County without supervision.

- Allowed detainees to bring contraband such as drugs, alcohol, cellphones into the jail; weapons including 20 knives were found during a search.

- Received or accepted benefits in exchange for keeping pretrial detainees in jail.

With these achievements in litigation met by Attorney General Bailey's office, they will dismiss the quo warranto action.

The final settlement can be read here.

The petition for quo warranto can be read here.