Soros-supported prosecutor faces removal attempt, vows to fight back.

Prosecutor Kim Gardner Faces Removal Proceedings

St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner is facing removal proceedings after a judge ruled that seven out of 10 claims against her will move forward. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey brought the petition against Gardner, accusing her of shirking her responsibilities and committing intentional acts that warrant her removal. Gardner, a Democrat, has accused Bailey, a Republican, of playing politics.

Accusations Against Gardner

• Gardner willfully failed to prosecute cases
• Gardner willfully failed to make charging decisions
• Gardner willfully failed to keep victims informed
• Gardner willfully failed to ensure defendants and victims receive a speedy trial

The judge dismissed three allegations that didn’t fit the type of conduct that could lead to an officeholder’s removal. Gardner also faces an allegation of “indirect criminal contempt” for her office’s no-shows at court proceedings.

‘Witch Hunt’ Alleged

Gardner has accused her enemies of conducting a “witch hunt” against her. During a public meeting, she declared emphatically: “I’m not leavin’. I’m not resigning. I’m not doing nothing. [sic] You will have to remove me.” Gardner, seeking reelection in 2024, is among many progressive prosecutors who received backing from funds from billionaire George Soros.

‘Change of Judge’

The state Supreme Court appointed Visiting Judge John Torbitzky to preside over the case. Torbitzky granted Gardner’s lawyers’ request for a “change of judge” under a Missouri procedural rule that allows it once in every civil case, no questions asked. Bailey is accusing Gardner’s lawyers of stonewalling requests for records and stalling the proceedings.

Police Blamed for Failures?

Bailey quoted portions of Gardner’s public comments in court records, stating she has telegraphed that “her defense to the suit will include blaming the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department for her failures.” Gardner has attempted to reform the system since taking office in 2017. She said police used to “control” the Circuit Attorney’s Office before she arrived.