Ray County Sheriff Childers Resigns, Loses License

Ray County Sheriff Scott Childers has resigned and lost his law enforcement license as part of a settlement with Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s office. The settlement comes after Childers was accused of neglecting his duties and allowing inmates to work outside jail grounds. Court documents indicated that Childers permitted detainees to work at individuals’ homes or businesses.

He justified the program by saying it aimed to teach inmates valuable skills, potentially reducing recidivism. However, in November 2023, Childers announced he had shut the program down due to complaints filed with the Attorney General’s Office. The program had reportedly allowed detainees to bring contraband, including drugs, alcohol, and cell phones, into the jail.

Childers also allegedly allowed illegal conjugal visits.

Sheriff Childers steps down

On Monday morning, Childers announced his resignation effective immediately.

In a video statement, he said he would pursue a career that allowed him to spend more time with his family. He also criticized unnamed individuals he claimed backstabbed him while in office and continued to deny the allegations surrounding the inmate work-release program. Childers explained that the decision to resign was influenced by his recent election loss and the desire to avoid prolonged legal battles.

“For the last 12 years in law enforcement, I have chosen my work over my family,” Childers said. “Now I’m going to stop that and not regret it. I’m going to spend time with my family and be happy.”

Despite his resignation and the settlement barring him from law enforcement, Childers expressed no intention of leaving Ray County and remains focused on his next steps.

Attorney General Bailey called the outcome “a major win for the residents of Ray County who have been forced to watch the perpetrators of their crimes roam freely in their communities due to the negligent actions of those sworn to protect them.”