Missing local lawyer sought by police

Local police were searching for an area lawyer after he failed to show up at least two court appearances for his clients.

Michael Lawrence Sr., a Sikeston, Mo.-based lawyer, was issued two body attachments by two different judges last month.

A body attachment is not a warrant, but allows officers to take Lawrence into custody and jail him until the next available court hearing, according to Scott County Sheriff's chief deputy Tom Beardslee.

Lawrence, who has a home address in Cape Girardeau and St. Louis, has been sought since May 3 when he did not show for a hearing in Scott County Court.

Associate Circuit Judge David C. Mann issued the body attachment for Lawrence for his failure to appear with his client, Siglindy Owens, charged with misdemeanor property damage and assault.

Lawrence was also scheduled to appear but failed to do so at a May 17 hearing with a second client in Mississippi County. Circuit Judge William C. Seay issued the body attachment for Lawrence the same day.

The attorney was representing Brandon Johnson, charged with first-degree murder in a Scott County slaying.

As of Thursday, police had not been able to locate Lawrence, according to Beardslee.