On Friday, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway filed a petition for a writ of quo warranto seeking the immediate removal of Harrison Count Clerk LeeAnn Miles from office. The lawsuit was filed in Harrison County Circuit Court.
Miles was arrested on charges alleging that she stole money from an elderly person whose expenses she managed.
The Attorney General's Office alleged in the filings that Miles has forfeited her office under Missouri Law because she is unable to perform the duties required of the Harrison County Clerk. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges:
--Miles was arrested and jailed during regular business hours while facing two felony charges for Financial Exploitation and Stealing. Bond was denied. Subsequently, at a hearing on October 19th, the bond was reduced to $150,000, cash only.
--As a result, the defendant has failed to remain present in the office during required business hours as mandated by Section 51.100 of Missouri Law and is unable to fulfill her duties, including administering the upcoming election that will be held on November 3rd.
--The defendant has forfeited her office under Section 106.220 of Missouri Law due to her failure to personally attend to the duties of her office, her willful neglect of duty, and the criminal charges alleged against her.
Subsequently, on that same day, Judge Matthew Krohn issued a preliminary order requiring the defendant to answer the charges within ten days. In addition, pending further order of the court, Respondent may not enter the office of the County Clerk. Defendant must surrender all county property that she has in her possession, including any financial instruments, debit cards, or credit cards.
Charges listed are merely allegations. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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