Morley, Mo., mayor resigns after shoplifting charge; acting mayor pro tem to run for seat

MORLEY, Mo. -- Some changes in the makeup of Morley's board of aldermen have recently come to pass, and more could be on the way following the resignation of Jonathan McNeely as mayor earlier this month and the approaching April election.

Meeting minutes released by the city this week show a letter of resignation from McNeely was accepted by the board of aldermen Jan. 2 and that the board unanimously approved the resignation during a special session. Reason for the resignation is not listed in the minutes.

The resignation followed a misdemeanor charge of shoplifting for McNeely. He was cited for shoplifting from the Cape Girardeau Wal-Mart by police Dec. 28. Store security told police at the time that McNeely concealed several hunting and fishing items in a shopping cart with a coat and then left the store without paying for the items.

McNeely is expected to appear in municipal court in February and has hired an attorney, Bryan Greaser. Greaser did not immediately respond to an email sent by the Southeast Missourian on Wednesday that questioned whether the shoplifting charge and resignation were related.

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

Mayor Pro Tem Tim Fodge has stepped in as acting mayor of the city since McNeely's resignation, and will serve in that position until after the April 8 election. One member of the board of aldermen, Marlin O'Neal, who is now acting as mayor pro tem, has filed as a candidate for mayor. He is running unopposed.

Fodge is running for re-election to the board of aldermen.

eragan@semissourian.com

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Morley, Mo.