Attorney General's News Release

March 17, 1999

Former inmate who later worked as Miller County jailer arrested on bribery, stealing and assault charges

Jefferson City, MO — A former inmate who later worked as a jailer at the Miller County jail was arrested today by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Missouri State Water Patrol and charged with several felony counts of bribery and stealing.

David Birdsong, (DOB - 3/18/67), of Eldon, was charged by Attorney General Jay Nixon with four felony counts of bribery, two counts of felony stealing and one count of assault in the third degree, a misdemeanor. The charges are the result of an ongoing investigation into the Miller County Sheriff's Department and the Miller County jail.

Birdsong's arrest follows the arrest and charging of four other persons who had been employees of the Miller County Sheriff's Department or the jail. A fifth person who has been charged is awaiting extradition from Georgia.

The complaint against Birdsong is sealed by order of the court, as are the complaints against the other defendants. More arrests are expected as the investigation continues.

The felony stealing charges against Birdsong are class C felonies, punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $5,000 fine on each count. The bribery charges are class D felonies, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine on each count. The misdemeanor assault charge is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

The charges against Birdsong are merely accusations; as in all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven otherwise in a court of law.

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.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818