In light of the Missouri GOP's accusation that Nixon has changed his story about how $2 million in state funds was awarded to a convicted felon, a course being charted by a newly elected prosecutor may create some political problems for Nixon.
Russ Oliver will become the Stoddard County prosecutor this Saturday, and he intends to determine if an investigation would fall under his jurisdiction. He claims there are 'red flags' on how Missouri's Department of Economic Development handled the case when they discovered the felon's background.
Oliver's investigation will also focus on what happened in the days after the news broke that Dickerson was on probation, which caused the state Department of Economic Development to withdraw its authorization of the $2.05 million. Oliver said Weaver held discussions with DED officials as well as city leaders after it was learned publicly that he was on probation.
"Why were those meetings held?" Oliver said. "What was said? I'd like to know. I have serious concerns, and it seems there are a lot of red flags. That's why I'm going to look into it further. I really just want to know what was going on."
If he discovers the document was signed outside his jurisdiction, Oliver said he will refer the matter to the appropriate county prosecutor.
The subject and content of any meetings between state officials and the felon, Weaver Dickerson, are unlikely to reflect well on the DED or Jay Nixon.
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