Morley, Mo., mayor charged with shoplifting

A Southeast Missouri mayor is facing a misdemeanor charge for shoplifting.

Jonathan McNeely, mayor of Morley, Mo., was given a citation to appear in municipal court by Cape Girardeau police about 7 p.m. Saturday and released after being detained by loss-prevention officers at Wal-Mart in Cape Girardeau. Store security told police McNeely concealed several hunting and fishing items in a shopping cart with a coat and then left the store without paying for the items, according to police spokesman Darin Hickey.

McNeely, 28, was elected mayor of the Scott County city of Morley in April 2012 and previously served on the board of aldermen.

Attempts by the Southeast Missourian to contact McNeely at Morley City Hall and his place of employment Monday for comment were unsuccessful, but McNeely's attorney, Bryan Greaser, released a statement Monday afternoon. Greaser was hired specifically to represent McNeely on the municipal charge.

"Mr. McNeely has been cooperating with the authorities regarding the incident over the past weekend, and we hope to resolve this matter expeditiously," the statement from Greaser read.

McNeely will have a February date set to appear in municipal court.

Online court records for the state show one prior criminal offense listed for McNeely -- a 2003 misdemeanor violation of Missouri wildlife laws. Court records show McNeely pleaded guilty to the charge and paid a fine. The records do not specify the type of offense.

eragan@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

3439 William St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Morley, Mo.