Attorney General Eric Bailey has taken legal action to block St. Louis County from naming a new chief prosecutor. Bailey filed a lawsuit in an effort to prevent the county from appointing a replacement for outgoing Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell. The move comes after Bell announced he would be stepping down from his position to pursue a judgeship.
In the lawsuit, Bailey argues that the county charter does not give the County Executive the authority to name Bell’s successor. He maintains that the decision should be left to the voters to elect a new prosecutor in the upcoming election. Bailey expressed concerns that an appointment made by the County Executive could potentially undermine the democratic process.
The lawsuit comes amidst a time of transition and uncertainty for the St. Louis County prosecutor’s office. Bell’s departure has left a vacancy that needs to be filled, but the process of selecting his replacement has become mired in legal challenges. The outcome of Bailey’s lawsuit could have significant implications for the future leadership of the prosecutor’s office.
The County Executive’s office has not responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit. It remains to be seen how this legal battle will play out and what impact it will have on the upcoming election for prosecutor in St. Louis County.
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