Former Clark County Circuit Clerk Arrested

By Mike Scott

Former Clark County Circuit Clerk Mary Jones was arrested on Friday, June 6, and charged with two felony counts of Theft/Stealing (Value of Property or Services is Between $500-25,000), according to the Missouri Highway Patrol’s Probable Cause Statement, filed with the Clark County Circuit Clerk on June 6.

The Probable Cause Statement alleges that between June 8, 2011 and December 7, 2012, Jones took possession of over $500 in cash paid by four individuals over time as payment for Batterer’s Intervention Program classes. Jones was responsible for depositing the cash in to the bank account, and issuing a check to Scotland County for these payments. Documentation from Clark County and Scotland County reveal the money was never deposited or paid to Scotland County.

The Probable Cause Statement also states that between October 11, 2011, and July 2, 2013, Jones took possession of over $500 cash from individuals that were either filing a petition of dissolution of marriage or paying court costs associated with the filing a motion for family access. Interviews confirmed cash was paid by these individuals, and cash receipts, signed by Jones, have been obtained. Interviews confirmed that the individuals did not receive any of their money back. Jones was also responsible for depositing this money into the bank, and the money was never deposited.

Jones was suspended from her office as Circuit Clerk on July 24, 2013, by Judge Gary Dial after the Office of State Courts Administrator received an anonymous report concerning possible financial improprieties in the Clark County Circuit Clerk’s office.
Jones resigned the following day.

Following her removal from office and resignation last summer, an extensive audit of the First Judicial Circuit has been underway. The results of that audit have not been released by the Missouri State Auditor’s office at this time.

“We’re glad there has been a thorough investigation and we found enough probable cause to file charges,” Clark County Prosecutor John Moon said.

Since Jones is the former Clark County Circuit Clerk, the case will be heard in Clark County by Judge Mike Greenwell of Judicial Circuit 41 in Shelbyville.

original story below

According the Missouri Case.net, Former Clark County Circuit Clerk Mary Jones was arrested by the Missouri State Highway Patrol  on a Warrant for two counts of Theft/Stealing (Value of Property or Services is Between $500-25,000). She is being held on a $10,000 cash only bond, with personal recognizance authorized.  These are Class C Felony Charges

Since Jones is the former Clark County Circuit Clerk, the case will be heard in Clark County by Judge Mike Greenwell of Judicial Circuit 41 in Shelbyville.

Following her removal from office and resignation last summer, an extensive audit of the First Judicial Circuit has been underway.  The results of that audit have not been released by the Missouri State Auditor’s office at this time.

“We’re glad there has been a thorough investigation and we found enough probable cause to file charges,” Clark County Prosecutor John Moon said.

More information will be posted when it is available.

See related story at:

http://nemonews.net/2013/07/24/clark-county-circuit-clerk-suspended/