St. Louis Prosecutor Dismisses Greitens Computer Tampering Charge

ST. LOUIS, MO — St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner held a press conference Wednesday morning to announce the dismissal of computer tampering charges against Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens, who unexpectedly announced his resignation yesterday, calling it a "fair and just resolution."

Greitens had been been accused of lying about campaign filings and violating campaign finance law related to his use of a charity donor list to raise money for his run for governor. He was indicted on those charges in April.

"We are at a time in our history when truth is at a premium and politics seem to blind common sense," Gardner said. "It is time for us to move on and help the state of Missouri get back to the business of government."

Gardner said the past few months have been difficult for all Missourians and that it is "time to heal the wounds of our city and out state."

Gardner maintained her decision to charge Greitens with two felonies was based on facts and available evidence, and there was no "witch hunt" or plan to bring pain to Greitens or his family, as the governor said yesterday when he announced his resignation.

"The consequences Mr. Greitens has suffered, he brought upon himself by his actions, his statements, his decisions, his ambition and pursuit for power," she added.

Gardner said she remains confident she has the evidence to pursue charges against the governor, but that pursing charges isn't always the right thing to do.

"Just as I believe that Mr. Greitens' decision to resign is best for our state, I have to consider the totality of the situation," Gardner said. "After much conversation with Mr. Greitens' defense attorneys and my team, we have come to an agreement."

It's not clear if the governor's resignation was part of those discussions, but the timing seems significant.

Gardner also rejected personal attacks by Greitens and his attorneys as "shameful" and "divisive," and called his rhetoric about the criminal justice system "dangerous and false."

Greitens blamed a "reckless liberal prosecutor" when he was indicted in February after his former hair dresser accused him of taking a non-consensual, partially-naked photo and using it to blackmail her. Those charges were unexpectedly dropped earlier in May, just as the trial was scheduled to begin. But a special prosecutor was appointed last week to consider refiling the charges.

Gardner said she couldn't comment on those charges against Greitens, and that special prosecutor Jean Peters Baker still has "complete authority" over the felony invasion of privacy case.

The outgoing governor pleaded not guilty in both cases — though he admitted to having an affair with his accuser — and he has denied any criminal wrongdoing.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.

Image: Greitens' mugshot via St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department