Attorney General's News Release

July 6, 2004

Former assistant collector in St. Francois County sentenced on charges she stole $10,000 from county

Potosi, Mo. — Former assistant St. Francois County collector Stephanie Skaggs was sentenced today after pleading guilty to stealing nearly $10,000 from the county.

Associate Circuit Judge Kelly W. Parker placed Skaggs (DOB - 8/15/72) on five years' probation, ordered her to serve 10 days' shock time in the county jail and ordered her to perform 240 hours of community service. The case was heard in Washington County on a change of venue.

Skaggs entered a guilty plea on April 2 to one felony and one misdemeanor count of stealing brought by Attorney General Jay Nixon last November. An investigation by the St. Francois County Sheriff's Department determined that $9,948.99 was missing from the collector's office. Skaggs' family repaid the missing money to the county prior to charges being filed.

The Attorney General's Office handled prosecution of the case after the St. Francois County prosecuting attorney recused herself.

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