Nicole Torres, who has represented the Republican party for the 81st Assembly district in the northwest section of the borough since 2019, is accused of using her job at the city Board of Elections to scam potential employees and cash fraudulent paychecks.

According to court documents, the alleged illegal conduct took place over a five-year period.

A Columbus man who served as a campaign treasurer for more than 100 candidates since the 1980s has been charged with wire fraud related to stealing nearly $1 million in campaign funds.

William Curlis, 76, was charged by a bill of information that was filed today. The United States also filed a plea document in this case today, which will be considered by the Court at a future plea hearing.

According to the court documents, from 2008 until June 2023, Curlis defrauded candidates of approximately $995,231 of campaign funds.

Former state senator and gubernatorial candidate William "Sam" McCann put an end to his federal trial on wire fraud, money laundering and tax evasion, pleading guilty to all nine counts.

Tricia Derges, a former state lawmaker and founder of several medical clinics throughout southwest Missouri, was sentenced on February 28, 2023, to six years and three months in prison.