Steelman's Blockbuster Charge Raises the Prospects of Criminal Charges

Today, GOP State Treasurer Sarah Steelman dropped a bombshell on the Blunt Administration. She accused them of attempting a secret payoff to Fred Ferrell's sexual harassment victim and falsely certifying the payoff to her office.

Steelman's allegations raise the prospect of criminal charges over the pay-off and cover-up.

Here's why: Missouri State Law requires the Commissioner of Administration to certify that every expenditure of state government is "within the purpose of [an] appropriation...." This certification is made to the State Treasurer who then cuts a check.

However, if the Commissioner of Administration "knowingly certifies any claims or accounts for payment, not authorized by law, he shall, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment in the penitentiary for [two to five] years...."

Given the facts uncovered so far, can there be any doubt that Blunt and/or his staff oversaw every detail of the secret payoff and its mechanics. It now seems likely that they leaned on the seriously ill Commissioner of Administration, Mike Keathley, to certify the payment, thus making themselves criminally responsible for the false certification.

Stay tuned for more breaking developments on this sad story.