Missouri Governor Eric Greitens Resigns Amid Ongoing Scandal

JEFFERSON CITY, MO — Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens resigned Tuesday afternoon in the wake of an ongoing political and legal scandal. 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.

Greitens has pleaded not guilty and — though he admitted to having an affair with his accuser — he has denied any criminal wrongdoing.

Greitens has also 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, but no trial date has been set.

(BREAKING: St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner Dismisses Greitens Computer Tampering Charge)

Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers had called on the governor to resign and the General Assembly was considering the governor's possible impeachment.

"I came to office to fight for the people of Missouri. To fight for the forgotten," Greitens said. "I love Missouri and I love its people. That love remains."

The governor said he was proud of his accomplishments while in office, but that the last few months have been "incredibly difficult."

"This ordeal has been designed to cause an incredible amount of strain on my family," he said, citing millions of dollars in mounting legal fees. "I have not broken any laws nor committed any offense worthy of this treatment."

Greitens said he would let history, and God, be his judge. He took no questions.

Greitens resignation is effective Friday, June 1. He will be replaced by Missouri Lieutenant Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican.

St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson thanked the governor for his service and "hard decision."

I thank the governor for his service. I know this was a hard decision. My hope is that we get back to working for the people and doing the business of the state.
— Mayor Lyda Krewson (@LydaKrewson) May 29, 2018

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