Conduct unbecoming

Morley Swingle is a talented prosecutor who has served Cape Girardeau County well for many years. Unfortunately, he has tarnished his reputation by grossly misusing county property, using his office, according to testimony, literally, for a sexual affair with a crime victim who stood to gain by his official decisions. Later recusing himself from the case without explanation, Swingle asserted he did so immediately once a conflict arose. The facts suggest otherwise. According to testimony at his divorce trial last week, emails between Swingle and his lover indicate the romantic relationship continued for nearly two months before the recusal.

One issue in terms of legal technicalities, we suppose, is how vital Swingle's work was with the case after a plea was reached. Those kinds of questions will be left to official entities to decide. But the larger issue is that Swingle besmirched his office and the trust that the people of Cape Girardeau County put in him to conduct his responsibilities. In addition, his actions cost the court system time and money as it accommodated his personal indiscretions.

This is not simply a personal failing -- though it is that, too. By using his physical office as the site for some of his escapades, and by involving himself intimately with a woman who stood to gain from his official duties, he has called his official judgment into serious question. These are sad days for a man who has been a valuable contributor to the county.