Missouri auditor backs decision to not pay Greitens' lawyers

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. � Missouri Auditor Nicole Galloway said she�s glad the state has declined to pay private attorneys who represented former Gov. Eric Greitens� office against potential impeachment proceedings.

Office of Administration commissioner Sarah Steelman determined Thursday the lawyers� work primarily benefited Greitens personally and not the governor�s office.

Steelman�s office said Friday it had overstated the amount billed by Eddie Greim�s law firm as $118,000 instead of the actual amount of $89,000. When combined with a $64,000 bill from attorney Ross Garber, the total amount billed to the state was a little more than $153,000.

Galloway had raised concerns about Greitens� attempt to use taxpayer funds for the attorneys.

Greitens had said they represented his office in an official capacity. He resigned June 1 amid allegations of sexual and political misconduct.