MONROE COUNTY, Mo. (WGEM) – A former Monroe County public administrator, Jessica Chase, was arrested on Monday following a four-month investigation led by the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control.
Chase, 45, was taken into custody after Monroe County Sheriff Joe Colston requested an investigation into her actions in February 2023. After the investigation, Chase now faces multiple charges, including six counts of financial exploitation of an older or disabled person, six counts of forgery, seven counts of filing false documents, twelve counts of felony stealing, two counts of fraudulent use of a credit/debit device, and one count of money laundering.
The charges stem from allegations that Chase, while serving as public administrator and conservator for several elderly and disabled people, unlawfully accessed their accounts and took money without their knowledge or consent. The alleged incidents took place between March 16, 2023, and December 22, 2023. Chase is accused of purchasing items for herself and withdrawing cash from several bank accounts.
Chase served as the public administrator of Monroe County from January 3, 2021, until she resigned on February 6, 2024. She has been held on a $150,000 cash bond at the Monroe County Jail.
The investigation highlights the significant breach of trust and exploitation of vulnerable individuals by a public official. The case remains ongoing.