Attorney General's News Release

March 6, 2007

Nixon charges former employee of the Buchanan County Prosecutor's Office with felony stealing

St. Joseph, Mo.— Attorney General Jay Nixon has filed one count of felony stealing against a former employee of the Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. The charges, filed today in Buchanan County Circuit Court, allege Holly Keller (DOB — 11/19/75), of St. Joseph, stole funds from the Prosecuting Attorney's Office's bad check fund. The Attorney General's Office was appointed as special prosecutor in the case after the Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney cited a conflict of interest.

A probable cause statement filed with the charges says that Keller was employed to collect bad checks in the prosecuting attorney's office. Nixon is alleging that between Sept. 24, 2004 and Jan. 29, 2007, Keller stole $30,611.15 from the bad check fund.

Felony stealing is punishable upon conviction by up to seven years in prison and a $5,000 fine on each count. As in all criminal cases, the charges 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 the Press Secretary.

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