Ray County, Missouri, prosecutor Camille Johnston was temporarily removed from her duties after state Attorney General Catherine Hanaway requested her removal over an alleged pattern of misconduct related to conflicts of interest and the handling of criminal investigations.

According to the petition filed by the Missouri Attorney General's Office, a judge issued a preliminary injunction preventing Johnston from serving as a prosecutor while the case is resolved. Hanaway's office noted that, for now, Johnston cannot take any action as county attorney, Fox News reported.

The investigation involves a person accused of sexual crimes

One of the main allegations maintains that Johnston had a romantic relationship with Juan David Gutierrez, a Mexican citizen who, according to state authorities, was irregularly in the United States and faces charges for alleged sexual crimes.

The petition states that Johnston had been aware of both Gutierrez's immigration status and the criminal investigation against him for several years. In addition, he accuses her of not removing herself from the case, hiding information about his whereabouts from authorities and even helping him leave the county by transferring the title of a vehicle he owned to her in 2023.

The document also maintains that the prosecutor visited Gutierrez in Mississippi and traveled with him to Florida while the man was being investigated.

According to the attorney general's office, a court later appointed the Missouri Attorney General's Office itself to take over the prosecution of the case.

They also accuse her of other conflicts of interest

The petition includes other allegations against Johnston, including having had a romantic relationship with a defense attorney who represented people prosecuted by his office without disclosing that relationship or requesting the appointment of a special prosecutor.

He also accuses her of having another relationship with a man prosecuted for a domestic violence case in Ray County. According to the file, when the local authorities learned of this relationship, they requested the appointment of an independent prosecutor for that process.

In addition to alleged conflicts of interest, the Attorney General's Office maintains that Johnston created an environment of intimidation within the county attorney's office.

According to the petition, an employee discovered one of the romantic relationships that could represent a conflict of interest and was subsequently fired in retaliation. The document also states that Johnston verbally berated members of her team and hid the existence of the relationships when she was questioned about it.

Attorney General Catherine Hanaway told Fox News that the case reflects “a sustained pattern of misconduct and willful dereliction of duty,” which she believes compromises the integrity of the prosecutor's office and represents a risk to public safety.

The investigation continues

Johnston's lawyer, Chad Gardner, did not immediately respond to requests for comment cited by US media.

The attorney general's office said it supports all of the allegations included in the petition, although it declined to comment on the possibility of Johnston facing additional criminal charges.

While the judicial process continues, Johnston's suspension will remain in effect until the court determines whether his permanent dismissal is appropriate.

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