A senior prosecutor in the United States has been suspended for allegedly engaging in inappropriate relationships with three individuals, one of whom was a subject of an investigation into a sexual assault case by her office.
Camille Johnston, aged 46 and from Ray County, was relieved of her duties by Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway following accusations of misconduct that led to her “forfeiting the office of prosecuting attorney.”
Promptly, a judge granted an interim order suspending Johnston from her post due to the allegations, which the Attorney General’s Office deemed to create an evident conflict of interest.
It is alleged that Johnston had a romantic involvement with a suspect in a sexual assault case identified as Juan David Gutierrez. The Attorney General’s Office claims that Johnston traveled to visit Gutierrez in Mississippi, where he had fled, and later went on a trip to Florida with him.
According to court documents, Johnston deliberately withheld information about Gutierrez’s whereabouts, indicating a clear conflict of interest as he was being prosecuted by Ray County.
The trial for Gutierrez’s sexual assault case has been postponed to at least September, which was originally scheduled for this week.
Additionally, Johnston is accused of maintaining a relationship with a Ray County lawyer identified as “T.T.,” who represented criminal defendants against charges filed by Johnston in her role as a prosecutor. Court records reveal that Johnston was obligated to disqualify herself from cases involving T.T. and seek a special prosecutor.
In another instance, a former employee of Johnston’s office alleges she was terminated after disclosing Johnston’s relationship with a suspect in a domestic violence case. Johnston reportedly concealed information from the victim, Ray County staff, and the circuit court in this case.
Apart from these allegations, Johnston is accused of fostering a hostile work environment characterized by fear and tension through displays of anger and aggression.
The Missouri Attorney General’s Office asserts in its filing that Johnston likely committed various offenses through these inappropriate relationships, including corruption and obstruction of justice.