Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley announced Tuesday his office has filed a felony complaint in Shannon County against former City of Winona Clerk Terri Denton.
The complaint alleges that Denton, during her time as city clerk, misappropriated at least five hundred dollars. The charges claim Denton was employed by the City of Winona between 2015 and 2017. During that time, investigators say Denton stole cash accumulated in the city’s vault and used it on personal expenses. While conducting an audit, the auditor’s office discovered at least several thousand dollars was not deposited during that time frame. The money remains missing.
The Attorney General’s Public Corruption Team is prosecuting the case with the assistance of the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Missouri State Auditor’s Office. The Attorney General’s Office was appointed special prosecutor at the request of the Shannon County Prosecuting Attorney because of a conflict.
Attorney General Hawley reminds the public that the charges against Denton are merely accusations and, as in all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law.