Dexter asks Highway Patrol to study 'serious allegations'

DEXTER, Mo. -- The city of Dexter has formally requested the Missouri Highway Patrol investigate the allegations of a member of the SEMO Drug Task Force against a city official.

Mayor John Pruitt told The Daily Statesman Wednesday morning he drafted a letter to the patrol requesting an investigation into the allegations made at Monday's Board of Alderman meeting by Trooper Chris Graves.

Graves, of Dexter, requested Monday an opportunity to meet with the board in executive session to discuss a situation involving an unidentified "department head." He stated: "I would like address the board É about a department head that has inquired about the whereabouts of my children and has been making innuendos and vague threats to me and my family. And I believe you all know who that is, too," Graves said.

Graves' wife, Michelle, accompanied him to Monday's meeting. The Graves have two young daughters.

After consulting with City Attorney Bud Lawrence, Pruitt said he decided to request the investigation.

"These are serious allegations," he commented.

Once the investigation is completed, the city board and Graves will have the opportunity to sit down and discuss the matter, Pruitt said.