Patrol won't investigate Poplar Bluff officials

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The Missouri State Highway Patrol has decided allegations Poplar Bluff Councilwoman Angela Pearson made against city officials and others "do not appear to be of a criminal nature."

Poplar Bluff police chief Danny Whiteley issued a news release Sept. 5 that said after receiving about 470 pages containing allegations of crimes by Poplar Bluff city manager Doug Bagby, Poplar Bluff city attorney Wally Duncan, former and current Poplar Bluff City Council members, and numerous community and business leaders, Whiteley requested an investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Col. Ron Replogle of the patrol replied to the request Sept. 4, saying "based on the available information, the allegations do not appear to be of a criminal nature," and that the request for an investigation was denied, according to the release.

Pearson, responding to the Highway Patrol's announcement, said she continued to "hold concerns, along with many other citizens," about city officials.

"In the near future, I would like to seek changes that would prevent Poplar Bluff city managers from serving on boards where compensation is awarded," she said. "I feel that taking this step is crucial for Poplar Bluff's ability to move forward and eliminate any possible conflicts of interest in the present and the future."

Pearson was not at the Aug. 20 meeting when the council voted 6-0 to give a vote of confidence to Bagby.

Bagby said the letter from the Highway Patrol "speaks for itself."

"Unfortunately, in my opinion, this will not satisfy Ms. Pearson or her supporters. The line established for these types of accusations is much higher for someone in the position of a public official as opposed to an average citizen, but there is a line. I'm used to criticism, but not personal attacks. I'll be reviewing options with my legal counsel over the next few days."

Mayor Ed DeGaris said he "was confident the allegations would be unfounded. We have a lawyer look at everything before we vote and two lawyers look at TDD [Transportation Development District] matters. We are up front at every meeting, we vote and the majority rules."