Attorney General's News Release

February 22, 2006

Attorney General's Office files conspiracy to commit murder charge against Fayette man

Fayette, Mo. — The office of Attorney General Jay Nixon has filed a felony charge of conspiracy to commit murder in Howard County Circuit Court against Robert W. Morgan of Fayette. The charge alleges that between Feb. 13 and Feb. 22, Morgan tried to hire a confidential informant to murder another man.

The Attorney General's Office was appointed as special prosecutor in the case after the Howard County Prosecuting Attorney recused himself because of a conflict of interest.

The probable cause statement filed with the charge alleges that Morgan discussed his desire to have the informant murder the man, as well as the timing and manner in which Morgan wished the murder to take place. Morgan allegedly paid the informant cash and property to carry out the murder. The statement says several of the conversations were recorded.

The probable cause statement goes on to allege that the informant met with Morgan on Tuesday (Feb. 21) to tell him that the victim had been murdered, when in fact, he had been taken to a secret location. Morgan allegedly thanked the informant when given proof that the victim was dead and made financial agreements to complete payment of the agreed upon fee. The statement says this meeting also was video and audio taped.

Morgan is being held without bond. Under Missouri law, conspiracy is a class B felony if the object of the conspiracy is a class A felony, such as murder. A class B felony is punishable upon conviction by no less than five years and no more than 15 years in prison. The charge against Morgan is merely an allegation; 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