Missouri Prosecutor Removed for Alleged Misconduct
A prosecutor in Missouri has lost his position following allegations of a sexual relationship with a defense attorney connected to a case he was handling. This case involved domestic violence charges against a client who is also an illegal immigrant accused of sexual assault.
On July 17, a Ray County Circuit Court Judge issued a temporary order barring Camille Johnston from performing any prosecutorial duties in Ray County. This order also prevented Johnston from accessing the courthouse unless permitted by the court.
After this ruling, Missouri Attorney General Kathleen Hannaway filed a quo warranto petition that criticized Johnston, who had been in office since January 1, 2023, for what the petition describes as “deliberate acts of fraud and misconduct.”
According to the petition, Johnston allegedly engaged in a “close and romantic relationship” with a local defense attorney while keeping it hidden from colleagues and the public. The Attorney General noted that this relationship suggested a clear conflict of interest.
However, the petition addresses even more serious accusations. It claims Johnston had an affair with a potential defendant facing domestic violence charges against his wife and went so far as to dismiss a female employee who learned about this relationship.
Local law enforcement eventually disqualified Johnston after they became aware of his involvement with the defendants, including a previous domestic abuse suspect and a Mexican national named Juan David Gutierrez, who is implicated in a sexual assault case.
Gutierrez faced multiple charges, including first-degree sodomy or attempted sodomy. The petition asserts that Johnston neglected his duty to seek disqualification in the investigation of these cases due to his connections.
Further allegations suggest that Johnston withheld the whereabouts of the illegal immigrant and even took a trip to Florida with him. In an extreme claim, Johnston reportedly transferred ownership of his truck to the immigrant, allegedly so he could escape back to Mexico and evade arrest.
The petition also accuses Johnston of creating a hostile work environment within the Ray County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, marked by outbursts of anger that instilled fear among staff members.
Chad Gardner, Johnston’s attorney, stated he has refrained from commenting due to the ongoing litigation. Johnston has until Sunday to respond to the Attorney General’s petition.
Hannaway emphasized that public office should not be treated as a personal playground, and stressed the importance of accountability for those in such positions. She noted that allegations against Johnston indicate a troubling pattern of misconduct that compromises the integrity of the prosecutorial office and public safety.
Complaints against Johnston’s conduct had been accumulating earlier in the year, which prompted the state attorney general’s office to take action. Following the removal, Tara Medlin, a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, has been appointed as the interim prosecutor.
