Attorney General's News Release

January 26, 2006

Court appoints Attorney General as special prosecutor for criminal investigation of Taum Sauk reservoir disaster

Jefferson City, Mo. — A Reynolds County judge has appointed the Attorney General’s Office as special prosecutor to conduct a criminal investigation of the events surrounding the breach of the Taum Sauk reservoir on Dec. 14. Associate Circuit Judge Edith R. Rutter appointed a special prosecutor after Reynolds County Prosecuting Attorney Robert A. Johnson determined he had a conflict of interest.

“This judicial appointment provides my office with the authority needed to proceed with a criminal investigation,” Attorney General Jay Nixon said. “We will be working closely with the Missouri State Highway Patrol in order to conduct a thorough investigation to determine if criminal charges are warranted.”

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