Missouri Prosecutor Stripped of Powers Over Inappropriate Relationships

A prosecutor from Ray County, Missouri, has lost her authority after the state attorney general accused her of engaging in inappropriate relationships linked to criminal cases. One of those cases involves an undocumented immigrant, Juan David Gutierrez, who faces sex crime allegations.

A petition from the attorney general alleges that Prosecutor Camille Johnston failed to recuse herself from Gutierrez’s case. It claims she didn’t inform law enforcement of her whereabouts and even transferred her vehicle to help him evade capture. Furthermore, the petition mentions other questionable relationships, including one with a criminal defense attorney and another individual charged with domestic violence.

The attorney general’s request led a judge to temporarily suspend Johnston from her prosecutorial duties while the case is being resolved. It also states that Johnston retaliated against an employee who discovered her affair, creating a climate of fear in her office.

Missouri Attorney General Katherine Hanaway remarked that when public officials misuse their positions for personal gain, removal is necessary. She emphasized the pattern of misconduct and negligence demonstrated by Johnston, which compromises public safety and trust.

In a separate development, authorities launched an investigation after allegations surfaced that the Utah judiciary sent inappropriate texts to lawyers involved in a significant redistricting matter.

Hanaway’s office stated that Johnston is barred from taking any official actions, though she can contest this decision. The attorney general clarified that Gutierrez, referred to as “JG” in the petition, is awaiting trial for felony sex crimes.

According to the documents, Johnston and Gutierrez had been romantically involved until January 1, 2023, when she assumed her role as Ray County prosecutor. It’s noted that by September 15, 2020, she had knowledge of Gutierrez being a suspect in a sexual assault case.

Local news reported that when the Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated in 2020, they couldn’t locate Gutierrez, which led the attorney general’s office to close the case two years later. But it resurfaced after a private investigator flagged it to the sheriff’s office in 2023.

Additionally, Johnston is alleged to have been aware of Gutierrez’s immigration status and visits to Mississippi. She reportedly did not disclose his whereabouts to authorities and vacationed with him. The petition claims she facilitated his escape from Ray County despite knowing of the ongoing investigation.

Moreover, Johnston’s relationship with a public defender, who handled criminal defendants in cases prosecuted by her office, is highlighted. She allegedly didn’t disclose this relationship, creating another potential conflict of interest.

In another instance, Johnston was accused of having a relationship with a man involved in a domestic violence case, which ultimately led to her being removed from prosecuting that specific case.

Allegations also include Johnston maintaining a hostile environment in her office, characterized by verbal abuse towards her staff and retaliation against an employee who became aware of her romantic connections. While she acknowledged the inappropriate relationships, Johnston allegedly continued her actions, often denying their existence when questioned.

While the attorney general’s office supports the petition’s claims, they have not commented on potential criminal charges against Johnston.