Special prosecutor appointed to Jackson police chief case

A special prosecutor was appointed Tuesday to review a sexual misconduct allegation against former Jackson police chief Marvin Sides, who resigned Monday.

Presiding Circuit Judge John Grimm named Butler County prosecuting attorney Kevin Barbour as the special prosecutor in the complaint.

Barbour has not received the state's official report concerning the allegations from the investigator, Sgt. Bud Cooper of the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Drug and Crime Division, but he said it may be completed within a week.

"As soon as I get it, I'll review it and make a determination of what the outcome will be, as to whether any charges will be filed or not," Barbour said.

Cape Girardeau County prosecuting attorney Morley Swingle filed a motion requesting a special prosecutor in the case because of a potential conflict of interest.

Swingle and Sides served many years together on the board of directors of the county's major case squad. In his motion, Swingle said he would be uncomfortable having himself or one of his assistants serve as prosecutor in the case.

mwells@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160