Attorney General's News Release

November 9, 2005

Former employee of Lincoln County Circuit Court is arrested on stealing charges brought by AG Nixon

Troy, Mo. — A former employee of the of Lincoln County Circuit Court clerk's office has been charged with felony stealing for allegedly collecting funds for the court and not depositing them, according to charges brought by Attorney General Jay Nixon.

Charges of felony stealing were brought against Lenora Johnson (DOB 5/23/59), of Troy, in Lincoln County Circuit Court. She was released on $10,000 bond.

According to court records, the clerk of the 45th Judicial Circuit contacted authorities when she discovered that numerous hand-written receipts were issued but never entered into the Justice Information System — nor was the cash ever deposited into the county's bank account. A total of $3,877 was determined to be missing.

All of the receipts were signed by Johnson, according to court records. According to staff in charge of finances and accounting for the judicial circuit, the only time hand-written receipts are issued is when the JIS is down and information cannot be entered into the system.

The court has recused itself from the case and has requested the assignment of a new judge. No court date has been set.

Stealing without consent is a Class C felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

The charges against the defendant are merely accusations. As in all criminal cases, 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 the Press Secretary.

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