ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is pushing to remove county councilman Dennis Hancock from office over allegations of nepotism and an ensuing coverup.
Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell announced Thursday that his office is requesting a permanent writ of quo warranto against Councilman Hancock, in addition for Hancock to be ousted from his position as county councilman.
During a news conference, Bell stated that Hancock hired his stepdaughter for a county position, violating Missouri’s constitutional rules against nepotism. Hancock is also accused of orchestrating a cover-up after the nepotism claim was first challenged in August.
According to court documents obtained by FOX 2, an audio recording of a phone call involving Hancock, emails, and altered employment records all revealed evidence of an attempt to cover up Hancock’s stepdaughter being employed through his administration.
Court documents allege that some county employees, including St. Louis County Clerk Diann Valenti, knowingly or unknowingly paritcipated in coverup efforts.
Bell says the new request for a quo warranto was filed to seek additional evidence, limit the potential for further misconduct and prevent retaliation.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.