Attorney General's News Release

May 27, 2005

Crawford County circuit clerk pleads guilty to stealing charges; will repay $10,830 to county, forfeit office

Steelville, Mo. — Karen A. McPeters, the Crawford County circuit clerk, today pleaded guilty to five felony and two misdemeanor charges of stealing more than $10,000 from the county. The court gave McPeters (DOB 3/4/57) a suspended sentence of five years on each count, placed her on probation, ordered her to repay $10,830 to the county, and declared she would forfeit her office.

McPeters admitted to appropriating cash and a money order from several individuals by telling them the money would be used to pay court costs, but instead kept it.

Attorney General Jay Nixon filed the charges against McPeters in late 2003 after being appointed as special prosecutor in the case because of a conflict of interest on the part of the Crawford County prosecuting attorney.

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

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