Attorney General's News Release

March 7, 2000

Attorney General's Office appointed to prosecute Wright County lawyer charged with stealing and forgery

Hartville, Mo. — The Wright County Associate Circuit Court has appointed the Missouri Attorney General's Office to handle the criminal prosecution of a Hartville attorney charged with forgery and felony stealing. The March 1 appointment was made after Wright County prosecuting attorney Larry Tyrrell recused his office from the case of David Christian Wise because of a possible conflict of interest.

Wise, age 31, was arraigned on Monday, March 6 in Wright County. No other court dates are scheduled at this time.

Forgery and felony stealing are both class C felonies under Missouri law, punishable by a maximum of seven years in prison and a $5,000 fine on each count. As in all criminal cases, the charges against the defendant are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818