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Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson

@jacoprosecutor

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Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
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Our mid-year report is here.

We’re grateful to the law enforcement partners who make this work possible. Referrals to our office are up across multiple categories. In several of our most serious categories, the trends are encouraging. Violent crime convictions are holding strong, and crime in Downtown Kansas City is down 40%, according to data from KCPD.

We know these numbers may not match how things feel in your neighborhood. We hear you, and we’re not done. Sharing this update openly is part of how we stay accountable for the work that’s still ahead.

Swipe through our mid-year report ➡️ taken in Jackson County by @jacoprosecutor

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5 months ago

The 2025 Annual Report is here 📊

In my first year in office, we charged more cases, strengthened partnerships with law enforcement, and took domestic violence and child abuse prosecution head-on. We’re rebuilding accountability in Jackson County, and we’re just getting started.

Read the full report at the link in bio. by @jacoprosecutor

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9 months ago

This week marks the beginning of a new chapter as we work toward a safer Jackson County.

As your new Jackson County Prosecutor, I stand ready to uphold a justice system that protects our community, while remaining fair and transparent.

But let me be clear, I cannot and will not tolerate the violence affecting our community.

My message is straightforward: Change your life, or we will change it for you.

While we will be taking immediate action against violent crime, we’ll also work to launch initiatives to prevent violence before it happens, working to provide opportunities for at-risk youth and families to break the cycle of violence.

We’ll strengthen our collaboration with law enforcement and expand victim and witness protection services to ensure justice is served in every case.

Case by case, initiative by initiative, family by family, we’ll build the safer community we all deserve. by @jacoprosecutor

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2 years ago

This week, we welcomed students from Youth Lead KC to our office for a mock trial! ⚖️

Students stepped into the courtroom to see how a case moves from opening statements to verdict, and they brought some great questions about how trials work and what it’s really like to be a prosecutor.

A big thank you to Judge Edwards for generously sharing his time and insight. And thank you to the Youth Lead KC students for your curiosity and engagement. taken in Jackson County Courthouse by @jacoprosecutor

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a day ago

This week, Pierre Bentley was sentenced to 15 years in prison for 1st Degree Assault and Armed Criminal Action in a shooting that left a man with life-altering injuries last year.

Bentley was acting in concert with co-defendant Martez Watson during an attempted robbery. Watson pleaded guilty in September and will be sentenced in November.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Brian Morris and Caitlin Brock prosecuted the case on behalf of the state of Missouri. by @jacoprosecutor

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2 days ago

Our office has charged Douglas K. MacDonald in connection with a fatal shooting that took place near Walnut Street and East Armour Boulevard on Oct. 7.

The defendant faces 2nd Degree Felony Murder, Armed Criminal Action, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Armed Criminal Action.

A Jackson County judge set the defendant’s bond to $250,000 cash only. by @jacoprosecutor

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2 days ago

Our office has charged Calvin L. Boyles in connection with a fatal hit and run car crash that occurred in the area of East 30th Street and Benton Boulevard on May 13.

He faces 1st Degree Involuntary Manslaughter, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Driving While Revoked or Suspended. by @jacoprosecutor

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3 days ago

Learning, growing, and having a little fun along the way! Our attorneys dove into mediation best practices and wellness at this week’s CLE training, then tested their trial skills with a game of “Objection!” 🙋🏾‍♀️⚖️ by @jacoprosecutor

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4 days ago

Today, Robert Essex was sentenced to 10 years in prison for a domestic assault that occurred last year. Essex shot into the car of a former girlfriend, injuring her.

Trial Team Leader Dani Sediqzad prosecuted the case on behalf of the state of Missouri.

Our office takes every domestic violence case seriously. Survivors deserve to be heard, protected, and supported, and we will always show up for them. As we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, we want every survivor in Jackson County to know you are not alone, and help is available.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the local domestic violence assistance hotline at 816-468-5463 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. by @jacoprosecutor

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8 days ago

JUSTICE SERVED ⚖️

Today, our office secured a sentence of life without the possibility of parole for Rasheed Turner, who shot and killed his former girlfriend on May 13, 2025.

Turner was sentenced to life without parole for 1st Degree Murder and the maximum 15 years for Armed Criminal Action.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kendall Robbins and Trial Team Leader Dani Sediqzad prosecuted the case on behalf of the state of Missouri.

Domestic violence-related homicides leave lasting harm on families and our community. Our office works every day to hold abusers accountable and prevent these tragedies.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the local domestic violence assistance hotline at 816-468-5463 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. by @jacoprosecutor

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10 days ago

Welcome to the team! 💼

Sworn in today as our newest Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Lauren Lawson is ready to serve Jackson County ⚖️ taken in Jackson County Courthouse by @jacoprosecutor

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10 days ago

Compared to last year, homicides are down 16% and nonfatal shootings are down 18%. Measured against the 5-year average, the decrease is even bigger.

Group-related homicides are down 31% and group-related shootings are down 49%. We’re also seeing fewer shootings among SAVE KC members.

Collaboration with @savekansascity is saving lives in Kansas City. by @jacoprosecutor

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10 days ago