ST. LOUIS (AP) — St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner has reached an agreement with the Missouri Office of Disciplinary Counsel in which she acknowledges that she made mistakes in her handling of the prosecution of former Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens but won’t face any severe penalties for those mistakes.
The “joint stipulation” agreement was announced Monday, just as a disciplinary hearing for Gardner was about to begin.
It calls for no suspension, probation or disbarment for Gardner.
The agreement would still need the approval of a three-person panel of the Disciplinary Counsel and the Missouri Supreme Court.
The panel will make a recommendation within 30 days, but it’s unclear when that court might consider it.
Original Story
ST. LOUIS (AP) — The 2018 prosecution of Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens played a pivotal role in his eventual resignation.
Now, questions about St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner’s handling of the case jeopardize her own career, even as Greitens reenters politics and contends for a U.S. Senate seat.
Gardner faces a hearing Monday before the Missouri Office of Disciplinary Counsel.
She is accused of failing to disclose evidence to Greitens’ lawyers, misrepresenting evidence, and other violations.
If the panel finds fault, the Missouri Supreme Court would decide the penalty.
At worst, Gardner could face suspension or disbarment.
That could cost Gardner her job, as state law requires elected prosecutors to hold active law licenses.
