Sedalia councilman resigns after ‘serious allegations’ made; Pettis County sheriff investigating
Ryan Shiner
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Sedalia Ward 1 Councilman Tom Oldham has resigned, the City of Sedalia announced in a Friday social media post.
The city wrote that Oldham resigned after “serious allegations” were brought against him on Thursday. The city did not elaborate to what the allegations were.
“While these allegations are deeply alarming and disheartening, it is important to clarify that the City of Sedalia will not be involved in the investigation or adjudicating this matter. Jurisdiction and all related proceedings fall under the authority of Pettis County officials,” the release says.
Pettis County Sheriff Brad Anders told ABC 17 News in an email that his office is investigating.
“This investigation involves the extraction of data from electronic devices. That will take time, so there is no possible timeline for charges,” Anders wrote in the email.
Oldham was recently reelected to his seat during the April 8 election. He defeated Albert Reine Jr. 312 votes to 236.
“I am shocked to hear the news. We understand the public’s concern and take these matters seriously. Our thoughts are with everyone affected as this situation unfolds. We remain committed to transparency and integrity in local government. I accepted Tom’s resignation from the City Council last night,” Mayor Andrew Dawson was quoted in the city’s post.
The post says the city will begin the process of filling the seat “in accordance with municipal procedures.”
City spokeswoman Jessica Hoffman told ABC 17 News in an email that the city will follow a state statute allowing the mayor to make an appointment to the seat. Whoever is selected will “serve until the next available regular municipal April election,” the statute says.
A timeline for when the appointment would occur was not immediately given.
Check back for updates.