Kim Gardner

Kim Gardner’s use of the circuit attorney contingency fund to cover the costs associated with an earlier ethics case caught the attention of the state auditor and later federal prosecutors.

The latest ethics charges relate to how she paid the cost of a 2022 disciplinary hearing in which she admitted to violating the rules of professional conduct during her prosecution of former Gov. Eric Greitens.

Tishaura Jones’ loss in last month’s mayor’s election is part of a trend in St. Louis-area politics over the past few years. After ascending to some of the most powerful posts in local government, several Black female political figures either left office or were defeated.

A state audit found former St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner misspent nearly $60,000 from an office fund on items such as personal legal expenses, a Sam’s Club membership and disc jockey services.

Kim Gardner admitted to using funds from the circuit attorney’s office to cover the fines she faced for her conduct during the prosecution of former Gov. Eric Greitens.

Gabe Gore marked one year in office since taking over for Kim Gardner, who departed in 2023 while facing widespread criticism.

Republican Scott Fitzpatrick said his staff has tried to contact Gardner for months, but "it appears she has willfully evaded our many efforts to obtain information that only she can provide."

The GOP official was appointed to his post in 2022 and is seeking a full four-year term this year.

Kim Gardner saga tops the list of the year’s biggest political news in the St. Louis region.

Gov. Mike Parson appointed Gore to fill out the term of Kim Gardner, who resigned amid a growing uproar about her management of the office.