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Jackson County Prosecutor's Office

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Jackson County Prosecutor's Office

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Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson The following list includes a U.S. senator, a Missouri governor and numerous other distinguished jurists and attorneys.

The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office has a long and distinguished history that has attracted a number of notable attorneys to serve as either the elected prosecutor or assistant prosecutor. In 1992, now U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill became the first woman to be elected as Jackson County Prosecutor. She served until 1999 when she was sworn in as Missouri State Auditor. In 2006, she became the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from Missouri, winning the seat that Harry Truman once held. She was re-elected in 2012. Former Missouri Gov. Joseph Teasdale also served as Jackson County’s elected prosecutor, 1966 to 1972. He was the youngest person to hold that post. In 1976, he won the governor’s office in a campaign that was given little hope at its outset. But the approachable native Kansas Citian won the popular nickname “Walkin’ Joe” for trekking 1000 miles, crisscrossing the state, in his push for a primary victory. Albert Riederer preceded McCaskill as the elected prosecutor in Jackson County. He served three terms as prosecutor and also was a state judge. As a civic leader, Riederer lead numerous campaign measures, including the expansion of the Kansas City Zoo. Riederer’s impact on the community may have been most significant as prosecutor, when he championed the anti-crime and anti-drug program known as COMBAT that continues today. Many other notable attorneys have served in the prosecutor’s office, including former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri Tammy Dickinson; Joe Bednar, chief attorney for Gov. Mel Carnahan; Ronnie L. White, who would become Chief Judge of the Missouri Supreme Court. Other current and former state judges with roots in the office: William Page Bellamy, Kenneth R. Garrett III, James F. Kanatzar, Bryan E. Round, Joel P. Fahnestock, Jennifer M. Phillips, Charles H. McKenzie, Robert M. Schieber, Kevin D. Harrell, Jalilah Otto, Gregory B. Gillis, Jeffrey C. Keal, Janette K. Rodecap, Twila K. Rigby, Jeffrey Bushur, Charles E.. Atwell, Vernon E. Scoville, Robert Beaird and Drug Court Commissioner David J. Fry. Federal judges who worked in the office include Matt J. Whitworth, Beth Phillips, Brian C. Wimes and Roseann Ketchmark. More than a dozen attorneys in the office have won the distinguished Lon Hocker award, presented by the Missouri Bar Foundation to leading trial attorneys. The winners include John Turner (1980), Patrick B. Hall (1983), John P. O’Connor (1986), J. Michael Shaffer (1987), Lou Accurso (1990), Kevin E.J. Regan (1991), Matt J. Whitworth (1992), Tim E. Dollar (1996), William Page Bellamy (1998), Dawn M. Parsons (2001), Michael C. Rader (2008), Jennifer M. Phillips (2011), Adam Caine (2015).

10/30/2026

Proud to welcome another new Assistant Prosecuting Attorney to the team, Emily Randol 💼 Welcome to the team!

10/29/2026

Our office has charged Jeremy Z. Mfundu, a Jackson County Detention Center corrections officer, in connection with attempts to distribute a controlled substance inside the facility.

He faces one count of the Delivery of a Prohibited Article into Jail and one count of Conspiracy to Commit the Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

According to court records, a Jackson County Drug Task Force investigation revealed the defendant was allegedly attempting to smuggle and distribute L*D into the Jackson County Detention Center.

The Jackson County Drug Task Force is a nationally recognized and award-winning task force funded through COMBAT, vital to solving drug-related crime in our county.

10/29/2026

Before you head to the polls Tuesday, take 30 seconds to know your rights. If you run into any problems, from ID questions to intimidation, call or text 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) to speak with a trained legal volunteer or visit 866OurVote.org.

10/28/2026

Last night, I sat down with Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed for a fireside chat at the IRL Experience, hosted by Sneed and the Police Athletic League. PAL students asked real questions about chasing big goals, bouncing back from setbacks, and making choices that shape your future.

Kansas City’s young people are paying attention and they’re ready to lead.

Thank you to L’Jarius Sneed and PAL for investing in our kids and creating space for conversations like this 🙌🏽🏈❤️

10/27/2026

Our office has charged Damien Ware for his alleged involvement in at least seven incidents, including armed robbery, attempted robbery, and carjackings that occurred between April 7 and July 17.

A Family Court judge certified the defendant to stand trial as an adult last week.

https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/m/newsflash/home/detail/1844

10/23/2026

Our office charged Khyree Simmons in connection with a shooting that occurred on Oct. 18 near East 42nd Street and Forest Avenue. Simmons faces 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/m/newsflash/home/detail/1843

10/23/2026

Our office has charged James F. Lawson in connection with a homicide that occurred inside an Independence, MO hospital yesterday. He faces faces 2nd Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Possession of a Fi***rm.

A Jackson County judge set the defendant’s bond to $250,000 cash only.

https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/m/newsflash/home/detail/1842

10/22/2026

Honored to receive the 2026 Creating Safe Communities Award from this morning. Domestic violence rarely starts with a homicide. Harassment, stalking and threats are warning signs, and every report helps us act sooner. Grateful for Mattie Rhodes and our other community partners doing the work to keep survivors safe 💜

10/22/2026

Last week, Jayvonn M. Davis pled guilty for a fatal shooting that took place on November 25, 2020. He received 19 years for 2nd Degree Murder and three years for Armed Criminal Action, to run consecutively for a total of 22 years.

Chief Trial Assistant Nichole Erickson prosecuted the case on behalf of the state of Missouri.

10/21/2026

Yesterday, a jury found brothers Marques and Marquan Smith guilty for their role in a double homicide that occurred near 28th and Prospect Avenue on November 22, 2022.

Both defendants were found guilty of two counts of 2nd Degree Murder, three counts of Armed Criminal Action, and one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

Sentencing will take place on Dec. 11.

Trial Team Leader Hallie Schuman and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Stephanie Russell prosecuted the case on behalf of the state of Missouri.

Address

415 East 12th Street
Kansas City, MO
64106

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18168813555

Website

http://jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/

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