SerpApi.Org
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has filed a legal petition seeking the removal of Ray County Prosecutor Camille Johnston from office. Hanaway has alleged a pattern of misconduct that includes conflicts of interest and improper relationships with criminal defendants and a defense attorney. Following the request, a judge has issued a preliminary order immediately suspending Johnston from her position while the case moves through courts.
Petition Alleges Pattern of Misconduct
According to the official press release, Hanaway’s office filed a petition for a writ of quo warranto, a legal action under Missouri law that can remove a public official accused of forfeiting office through willful neglect, abuse of duty or misconduct.
Hanaway said, “When an elected official treats public office like their personal playground, betraying the public trust, ignoring legal obligations, and putting self-interest first, removal isn’t a suggestion, it’s a necessity.”
The attorney general said that Johnston created “an atmosphere of fear and intimidation” in the prosecutor’s office by verbally berating employees. The petition also alleges Johnston had undisclosed romantic relationships with a criminal defense attorney whose clients were prosecuted by her office, a prospective criminal defendant, and an undocumented immigrant facing s—– assault charges in Ray County.
According to the petition, Johnston was aware of the potential misconduct created by those relationships but continued her actions. The filing further alleges she transferred her vehicle to the s—– assault defendant to help him evade authorities. However, those claims have not been proven in court.
Hanaway said the legal action is intended to protect Ray County residents and restore confidence in the prosecutor’s office.
Judge Suspends Pending Lawsuit
Hanaway’s office shared that Johnston is “not allowed to take any actions in any official capacity” while the case remains pending. However, Johnston can challenge the suspension and seek reinstatement within 10 days. The attorney general’s office said she is no longer serving as Ray County prosecutor.
The office also identified the s—– assault defendant as Juan David Gutierrez. He was charged with first-degree sodomy. Officials said Johnston, who knew Gutierrez was a suspect, did not remove herself from the investigation into that case. A local court later appointed the Missouri Attorney General’s Office to handle the prosecution.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol turned its findings over to the attorney general’s office in 2020. However, prosecutors declined charges and closed the matter in 2022. The station revived the case in 2023 after a volunteer cold-case investigator uncovered new information and shared it with then-Ray County Sheriff Scott Childers.
The petition also alleges Johnston maintained another romantic relationship with a man charged in a domestic violence case. According to the filing, she was later removed from prosecuting that matter.
