Bailey Files Writ Against Burkett

(Jefferson City, MO) Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is announcing he has filed a legal writ of quo warranto to remove Iron County Sheriff, Jeff Burkett, from office. It's alleged Sheriff Jeff Burkett, Deputy Chase Bresnahan, and Deputy Matt Cozad, assisted Iron County Resident Donald "Rick" Gaston with a scheme to kidnap Gaston's children from their mother following a domestic dispute. The charges include participating knowingly in criminal street gang activities, attempting kidnapping, stalking, misuse of emergency telephone services, and unlawfully obtaining criminal history information. They were arrested in March. According to law Burkett still holds the office but he cannot act as Sheriff while the case is pending. Bailey adds he's calling for the immediate removal of the Sheriff from office demanding he resign. The petition asks the court to take Burkett out of office due to the Department of Public Safety's suspension of his peace officer certification. Preliminary hearings are set for Burkett and the other three defendents October 4th.