ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – St. Louis County’s prosecuting attorney has settled the case of nepotism against County Councilman Dennis Hancock, according to officials.
It was announced Friday that prosecuting attorney Melissa Price-Smith closed the case through a settlement, as opposed to “continuing with costly and disruptive litigation,” a release stated.
Former county prosecuting attorney Wesley Bell opened the case in December after it was revealed that councilman Hancock hired his stepdaughter for a county position, violating Missouri’s constitutional rules against nepotism. Hancock was also accused of orchestrating a cover-up after the nepotism claim was first challenged in August.
Part of the release addresses issues among the county’s investigation into the matter, which reads, in part:
“St. Louis County prosecutors must follow rules of evidence when prosecuting cases. St. Louis County’s investigation into Mr. Hancock likely violated those rules. Specifically, the use of the St. Louis County Counselor’s Office, which acts as attorney to the council, to record one of its clients is extremely problematic. There are also significant evidentiary, legal, and ethical issues regarding the St. Louis County counselor, who has represented Mr. Hancock in the past, collecting evidence and then serving as a star witness for the state. Furthermore, while the state continues to dispute Mr. Hancock’s defenses, there are significant legal questions created by the St. Louis County counselor that could delay or even allow Mr. Hancock to win at trial. Additionally, Mr. Hancock is not a threat to public safety.”
Almost one month later, Price Smith opted for a settlement as staff estimated the case could have taken over a year to close and bring at least one prosecutor away from prosecuting crimes, the release added.
The cost of Hancock’s defense and prosecution falls onto St. Louis County taxpayers due to County Council Bill 190. According to officials, it’s estimated the case could total up to $100,000.
Additionally, as part of the settlement, Hancock has allegedly agreed to pay his own legal fees and promises to not hire any family members. Due to this, the lawsuit has been dismissed against him.
“The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has over 10,000 pending criminal cases, including 250 pending homicides,” Price Smith said in a release. “This is a civil matter. My top priority is public safety, fighting violent crime, and advocating for victims. I will not allow my office to be used to settle political scores.”
St. Louis County Counselor Dana Tucker then released a statement Friday evening in response to the settlement, which reads, in part:
“As an attorney and as the St. Louis County Counselor, I took an oath to uphold the Missouri
Constitution…When I became aware of Mr. Hancock’s constitutional violation, I acted not as his attorney but in my capacity as the St. Louis County Counselor, following all proper legal procedures.
The suggestion that this was politically motivated rather than a legitimate constitutional concern is itself a political statement.
As someone who serves as a disciplinary hearing officer with the Missouri Supreme Court, disregarding the Constitution sends a concerning message to our community: that certain violations of law will be overlooked if you promise not to do it again. Are we to understand that white-collar crimes and violations of the public trust no longer warrant prosecution?
The truly stunning aspect of this situation is not the gathering of evidence but rather an unwillingness to uphold the Missouri Constitution. The Constitution of Missouri exists to protect our citizens from abuse of power, and its enforcement should never be subject to political convenience.”