Former Monroe County official sentenced for stealing from disabled wards

By STAFF REPORT

PARIS — A former elected Monroe County official was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to charges including financial exploitation of a disabled person, felony stealing, and filing false documents.

Senior Judge Rick Roberts sentenced Jessica A. Chase, 49, of Paris, under Section 559.115 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, according to the Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Chase served as Monroe County’s elected public administrator from Jan. 1, 2021, through Feb. 7, 2023. In that role, she was appointed legal guardian and conservator for disabled residents under the county’s care. Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney Nicole Volkert alleged that during her time in office, Chase stole money from the custodial accounts of disabled people she was responsible for protecting.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office opened an investigation after a criminal complaint was filed by one of Chase’s wards. Sheriff Joe Colston said the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office assisted in the investigation. A separate federal civil investigation by the Social Security Administration remains pending.

An insurance policy covering the Monroe County Office of Public Administrator previously paid a settlement to victims to cover the amounts taken from their accounts.

As part of Wednesday’s sentencing, Roberts also ordered Chase to pay $12,000 in restitution to cover legal costs incurred by Monroe County.

“Jessica Chase violated her oath of office,” Volkert said. “She stole money from the most vulnerable people in our community.” 

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Former Monroe County official sentenced for stealing from disabled wards