Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has filed a legal action seeking to remove Republican Ray County Prosecutor Camille Johnston from office, alleging a pattern of misconduct, conflicts of interest, and neglect of official duties.
A judge issued a preliminary order shortly after the filing that immediately barred Johnston from exercising the authority of her office while the case proceeds.
Hanaway’s office filed a petition for a writ of quo warranto, a legal process used to challenge whether a public official has forfeited the right to hold office.
The petition alleges Johnston knowingly and willfully failed to perform her duties as prosecutor and that her actions compromised the integrity of the Ray County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
“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,” Hanaway said. “Johnston’s record reflects a sustained pattern of misconduct and willful neglect that has undermined the integrity of the prosecutor’s office and poses a serious threat to public safety.”
The petition alleges Johnston fostered a workplace environment where employees allegedly felt intimidated, including claims that she verbally berated staff members.
The filing also accuses her of failing to properly handle alleged conflicts involving multiple personal relationships.
According to the petition, Johnston had an intimate relationship with a criminal defense attorney who represented multiple defendants in cases prosecuted by her office.
The attorney general alleges Johnston did not remove herself or seek a special prosecutor in cases involving the attorney’s clients despite an alleged conflict of interest.
The filing also alleges Johnston had a relationship with a prospective defendant and terminated an employee after the employee discovered the relationship.
Authorities said Johnston was later removed from that prosecution after law enforcement became aware of the alleged relationship and sought the appointment of a special prosecutor.
A separate allegation involves an illegal alien defendant identified in the petition as “J.G.,” who was being prosecuted in connection with a sexual assault case in Ray County.
The attorney general alleges Johnston transferred ownership documents for her vehicle to help him avoid being located by authorities.
The petition alleges Johnston failed to disclose the alleged relationship or seek her own removal from the case.
Court records and reports identified J.G. as Juan-David Gutierrez, who faces sexual assault-related charges in Ray County. His trial was recently delayed after a court ruling involving evidence in the case, according to KSHB.
The preliminary order issued by the court prevents Johnston from entering the prosecutor’s office or courthouse or conducting business on behalf of the office unless authorized by the court.
Johnston has until July 26 to respond to the attorney general’s petition, The Kansas City Star reported.
Johnston referred questions about the case to her attorney, Chad Gardner. Gardner said no statements would be made because of the ongoing litigation.
Ray County officials told KMBC 9 that they were awaiting further direction regarding who would oversee prosecutorial duties during the proceedings
The attorney general’s office said the case is being handled by Senior Counsel Ted Bruce and George Lankford, leader of the Sexually Violent Predator Unit.
The court proceedings will determine whether Johnston is permanently removed from office.
