Attorney General's News Release

Oct. 27, 1997

Former Camden County official pleads guilty to 63 criminal charges in connection with theft of $243,000

Camendenton, Mo. — Former Camden County assistant circuit clerk Debra E. Kirby today pleaded guilty to 63 counts of felony stealing in connnection with the theft of more than $243,000 from the county.

She faces up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 on each count. Sentencing, which will follow a pre-sentence investigation by the Department of Corrections, is scheduled for Jan. 2.

Attorney General Jay Nixon filed the charges against Kirby last year, alleging she cashed checks from a county account totaling $243,154.13 from 1988 until August 1996.

"Public officials are placed in a position that demands nothing less than holding the trust of the people," Nixon said. "Ms. Kirby betrayed that trust by using her position to steal from the taxpayers of Camden County."

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

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