County executive's aide resigns over letters in drug case

CLAYTON, Mo. -- An aide for St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger resigned after it was revealed he asked Stenger and the county police chief to write letters to a federal judge in support of his nephew, who pleaded guilty to a drug conspiracy charge.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported John Saracino resigned Monday. His nephew, Michael Saracino II, was sentenced in December. He has not yet reported to prison. He was given permission by the judge to attend his wedding ceremony Saturday in Florida.

Police chief Jon Belmar and Stenger each wrote letters of support to U.S. District Judge Catherine Perry as she determined the prison sentence.

Stenger, who asked the judge to be lenient, said he reluctantly accepted Saracino's resignation, and he could not discuss the issue further because it is a personnel matter.

John Saracino said the letters, which were under federal seal, were honestly transmitted and accessible to the public. The newspaper asked the judge to unseal the letters.

The former aide said there was "nothing shameful" in the letters, and he stands by his actions in requesting the letters of support on behalf of his nephew.

The St. Louis County police board chairman has said the board would consider whether Belmar, who wrote his letter on county police letterhead, violated department policy when he wrote the letter.

Members of the St. Louis County Police Department worked with federal agencies to investigate Saracino II and others in connection to a marijuana distribution network.

The chief's letter said: "With regard to Michael's offense, I will offer no excuse, but to say that I believe that he has the benefit of having a strong family surrounding him. I remain confident that whatever decision you render in this matter, it is the right decision and you enjoy my full support."

Gabe Crocker, president of the St. Louis County Police Association, criticized Belmar's letter, saying it could "increase an already growing demand" for a no-confidence vote in the chief.