MALDEN, Mo. (NewsFirst) – The former head of the Dunklin County Sewer District along with his wife have been arrested after a lengthy investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, which also ended up in an audit by the Missouri State Auditor’s Office.
According to probable cause statements for both Korey and Jennifer Adams filed by the Dunklin County Prosecutor’s Office, both Mr. and Mrs. Adams face 19 counts each regarding alleged mismanagement of funds from the Dunklin County Sewer District between 2017 and 2021, totaling more than $160,000.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol began an investigation in August of 2022 at the request of the Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s office in Kennett. The Missouri State Auditor’s Office completed their investigation, at the request of the City of Malden, last month. A warrant was issued for the Adams’ on Monday. Both have since been arrested and released on a bond of $45,000 each as of Tuesday afternoon.
A hearing in the case has not been scheduled as of Tuesday evening. It is not yet apparent if either Adams’ have an attorney. News First will have more information as it becomes available. Below is the probable cause statements for both defendants. All 19 counts for each person are Class D Felonies (more than $750 theft) except for three of the 19 counts with Jennifer being Class C Felonies (more than $25,000 theft). According to Missouri law if found guilty, Class D Felonies can carry a maximum penalty of $10,000 fine per count and up to seven years in prison per count. A Class C Felony can carry a maximum fine of $10,000 per count and up to ten years in prison, but not less than three years.
Korey Adams served as the president of the board for the sewer district. Jennifer Adams served as the bookkeeper for the district, until the district was temporarily placed under receivership to the City of Malden in 2022.
