Soros-funded prosecutor’s exit creates unprecedented situation in St. Louis, says judge.

Missouri Prosecutor Abruptly Resigns Ahead of Hearing

Kimberly M. Gardner Leaves Office Immediately

In a surprising move, Missouri prosecutor Kimberly M. Gardner resigned from her position as the City of St. Louis Circuit Attorney on May 16, hours before a hearing exploring her official conduct. Gardner’s resignation came earlier than her previously stated departure date of June 1, leaving the city without a prosecutor.

Unprecedented Situation

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey continued his battle to oust Gardner from office despite her resignation announcement. Bailey argued that Gardner had left open the potential to change her mind and remain in office beyond the stated departure date. However, Gardner’s May 4 resignation letter expressly stated that she would resign on June 1st.

Replacement Sought

Before Gardner’s departure, Governor Mike Parson received 18 applications from people interested in fulfilling the circuit attorney’s role. Gardner had been working with St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell to ensure a smooth transition of all cases.

Understaffed and Demoralized Office

Bailey has stated that Gardner’s office has been understaffed and demoralized for some time. While he blames her for a failure of leadership, Gardner has complained that her office was underfunded in an attempt to sabotage her.

Targeted by Outside Forces

Gardner, who is among dozens of American prosecutors who reportedly received financial support from billionaire George Soros, claims that people outside of the city have targeted her since she took office. She believes that there has been a coordinated, long-standing strategy to undermine her efforts to make the City of St. Louis safer and fairer.

Court Records Reveal Other Activity

Court records reveal that Gardner had been enrolled in nursing classes since 2021, despite her duties requiring full-time work under the law. During a contempt-of-court hearing on April 27, Gardner was inside the Family Care Health Center in St. Louis instead of attending the hearing. Judge Michael Noble called Gardner’s office “a rudderless ship of chaos” and advanced an accusation of “indirect criminal contempt” against her.

Conclusion

Gardner’s resignation leaves behind a number of issues for her successor to handle. Bailey’s battle to oust her from office may become moot, but the situation remains unprecedented. Gardner’s departure also highlights the challenges faced by prosecutors who receive financial support from outside sources.