Attorney General's News Release

February 11, 2003

Nixon files felony complaint charging Cape Girardeau attorney with passing $112,000 in bad checks

Jefferson City, Mo. —Attorney General Jay Nixon today filed felony charges of passing bad checks against Cape Girardeau attorney and Scott City municipal judge Michael L. Richey.

The complaint alleges that last October, Richey (DOB - 7/23/46) wrote two checks totaling $112,428.92 to two of his clients, knowing there were insufficient funds in his account to cover the checks. Nixon's office was appointed as special prosecutor in the case.

The crime of passing bad checks is a class D felony under Missouri law, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine on each count. The charges against Richey are merely allegations, and as in all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty 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