Former Soros-Backed Prosecutor Admits to Misusing Public Funds in St. Louis

Kimberly Gardner, the former St. Louis Circuit Court attorney who was backed by liberal billionaire George Soros, has admitted to misusing public funds during her tenure as the city’s lead prosecutor. Gardner, who stepped down from her role in June 2023, entered a pretrial diversion program with the U.S. District Court in St. Louis on Wednesday.

According to the agreement, Gardner directed her employees to cut checks totaling $5,004.33 from the Contingent Fund Account in her office to reimburse her for personal court costs and fees incurred in 2022. This money was related to a case brought against her by the Missouri Supreme Court, which reprimanded her for violating ethical rules during the prosecution of former Missouri Governor Eric Greitens.

The Contingent Fund is legally restricted to paying necessary expenses related to the prosecuting duties of the Circuit Attorney's Office. However, Gardner used the funds for her personal expenses, depositing them into her personal bank account. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Missouri stated that Gardner was not entitled to this additional compensation under the law.

The pretrial diversion program defers prosecution against Gardner for 18 months, provided she does not violate any laws during this period. She is also required to report to a pretrial services officer, follow instructions, and repay the misused funds to the Circuit Attorney’s Office as restitution. This outcome follows a thorough investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI.

Gardner’s tenure was marked by allegations of misconduct and mishandled cases, with critics accusing her of having soft-on-crime policies. She was one of the first progressive prosecutors supported by George Soros, who funded her initial election in 2016 and her re-election in 2020. Gardner was also St. Louis’ first Black chief prosecutor.