Missouri AG Bailey files quo warranto to remove Iron County Sheriff from office

IRON COUNTY, Mo. (KMOV) – Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has filed a quo warranto to remove Iron County Sheriff Jeffery Burkett from office.

Burkett, along with three others, were arrested in March. They face charges related to attempted kidnapping and street gang activity. Burkett has pleaded not guilty.

Burkett cannot act as sheriff while the case is pending, but he still holds the office. Thursday, Bailey announced he is “moving for the immediate removal of the Iron County Sheriff” and demanding he resigns.

Bailey’s office argues Burkett “abused his power and authority as an elected sheriff by encouraging other law enforcement officers to make illegal arrests and detentions, knowing that he had no jurisdiction or authority and knowing that the arrests and seizures lacked any probable cause or reasonable suspicion.”

The petition asks the court to immediately remove Burkett from office due to the Department of Public Safety’s temporary suspension of his peace officer certification.

Burkett’s attorney Gabe Crocker issued the below statement after Bailey filed the quo warranto:

“I am disappointed that the Attorney General’s Office would attempt to remove an elected official from office before any evidence has been heard in a court of law. However, I have been told that the Attorney General is a very reasonable and grounded individual and I look forward to working with his office to resolve this matter.”

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